Implementing effective training is one of the fundamentals in making sure your team and your company are running as smoothly as possible, but it requires an in-depth sight into how your team learns best. By strategically sourcing training methods for your team, you can analyse not only how best they work but see an improvement in results overall. It’s important to remember that each person learns differently, so you need to build your learning content accordingly.

The latest Employer Pulse Survey conducted by the government reveals that nearly half (48%) of organisations haven’t offered any training to their employees within the past year.

The 3 Key Learning Styles

The first step in creating a business training program that caters to all learners is identifying the different learning styles. The three primary learning styles are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

• Visual: These types of learners prefer to learn through images, graphs, and videos rather than just listening to lectures or reading textbooks. They process and retain information better when it’s presented in a visual format so they can gage an example of what’s being taught.

 

• Business training programs should incorporate visually appealing materials like multimedia elements, using colour coded diagrams, and providing comprehensive handouts or digital resources.

 

• Auditory: This refers to individuals who learn best through listening and speaking. By having to take in words as prompts and instruction, they often have impeccable memory skills. They can also identify verbal cues, as well as patterns a lot easier by having to visualise scenarios without observable prompts.

 

• Training should encourage live presentations, webinars, and audio recordings. Providing opportunities for group discussions, role-playing exercises, and question-and-answer sessions can greatly enhance their learning experience.

 

• Kinesthetic: Those who learn best through physical activities and hands-on experiences are often referred to as kinesthetic learners. They process information better when it’s presented in a tactile format, rather than just reading, or listening. They thrive in environments that allow them to engage in physical activities, such as experiments, simulations, role-playing, and building projects.

 Interactive workshops, case studies, and experiential learning opportunities are the best ways to accommodate kinesthetic learners. Providing opportunities for them to practice newly acquired skills and receive immediate feedback is paramount to their development.

 

The Importance of Flexibility

By including a flexible approach, organisations can ensure that individuals with different learning styles, schedules, and preferences are accommodated. Offering online learning options enables learners to access materials at their convenience, while self-paced learning allows for personalised progress. It’s important to not limit trainees with the use of one method, as this can severely hinder their progression as well as make them feel invalidated in their progress as it would be measured differently by their peers.

Focusing on Feedback

After each training session, proactively seek feedback from participants through surveys, one-on-one discussions, or group feedback sessions. By capturing the firsthand experiences and perspectives of the learners, managers can gain valuable information about the effectiveness of the content, and delivery methods. With this information, they can then identify significant skill gaps and areas that need improvement.

The Use of Technology

Technology in business training offers the potential to cater to multiple different learning styles. When technology tools and platforms are used in training programs, they can be transformed into interactive experiences that offer teamwork opportunities for all types of learners.

• E-Learning platforms: Using platforms like these offer a flexible approach to training materials as they offer learners the option to engage in materials at their own pace. Some platforms have a range of resources like videos and interactive modules to test participants and let them review and revisit when needed to refresh and improve.

 

• Gamification: This strategy has been widely used by many companies, with 72% of employees showing more engagement when gamification solutions are applied. You can also use incentives that inspire motivation such as leaderboards and rewards which will introduce an element of healthy competition.

 

• Adaptive learning systems: These create a personalised learning journey, by using algorithms and deliver targeted content and activities that address their specific needs. Employees can then receive the most relevant training, increasing their potential for growth and development.

 

Taking the time to get to know how your team works best helps you to adapt strategies for everyone in training and helps them progress as much as possible. Using trial and error methods if employees are unsure of their learning type can be a good basis to start with, and then implementing suitable training methods will come as an easy next step. This’ll lead to a stronger, and more functional worth ethic and ensure all employees are as comfortable as possible with their training experience