Think about it: If you rely only on one approach – say, a newsletter – those whose main learning style involves hearing or interacting with information may not tune into your message at all – or if they do, maybe not as well as if you gave a presentation or organized an activity where they could participate.
What’s more, using a mix of communication strategies catering to the various learning styles can reinforce messages. Information tends to “stick” with the intended receivers when they are exposed to communications multiple times and in multiple ways.
A widely accepted approach to looking at learning styles is the VAK system that bases one’s learning preferences on the three main sensory receivers. In the VAK system, learning styles include:
- Visual – Visual learners prefer to see or observe things, such as pictures, photographs, diagrams, demonstrations, displays, handouts, films, flipcharts, etc.
- Auditory – Auditory learners prefer to learn by listening – to the spoken word (either themselves or from others) or from sounds and noises.
- Kinesthetic (movement) – Kinesthetic learners prefer physical interaction – touching, feeling, holding, doing, and practical hands-on experiences.