Identify the three kinds of learner

Before we start to deliver, organise or even recommend any type of training and education we need to recognise two things: there are many different kinds of learning and there are many different kinds of learners. Salon Smart Training Expert Chris Moody helps you identify who's who in your team and the best way to teach them.

Auditory – The Listener
Learns by listening.
These people benefit from having it explained to them first, they enjoy being talked through it, thoroughly.
They often speak in a rhythmic pattern, they can be seen moving their lips or even quietly saying the words as they read.
They often “talk” themselves through the tasks, both internally and externally.
They can be often distracted if there attention isn't focused by sound.
If you are teaching this person, speak as you're doing, and don't be afraid to repeat info.
If you ARE this person ask lots of questions, paraphrase and even verbally repeat things.

Visual – The Watcher
Learns by looking.
These people benefit from seeing it done – pictures speak louder and clearer than words. They enjoy demonstration.
They are observant and appearance orientated, they think in pictures and memorise in images, they would rather read bullet points with imagery than be read to by someone else. They need an overall view, the big picture, in order to see the details and the purpose.
If you are teaching this person use demonstration, props, pictures and diagrams – do it while you are speaking it.
If you ARE this person take notes in colour, use mind mapping for note taking, illustrate with diagrams or even doodles.

Kinesthetic – The Do'er
Learns by doing.
These people need to get involved physically, they benefit from having a go, they learn best through experiencing.
They are usually active, tactile, touch and stand close to people. The may point as they read, speak with hand gestures. They are usually restless when having to listen for long periods. They are emotionally responsive and memorise by “walking” through the task.
If you are teaching this person be sure to include activities and exercises, let them know when they will get the chance to do it, to join in. Encourage actions, raising hands, gestures etc.
If you ARE this person, ask if you can stand or move around to see more. Emulate movements with your hands if possible. Keep something to hand – pipe cleaners and rubber bands are great to twirl and help you to focus. Don't be afraid to ask to get involved.

What does this tell us?
Although most of us will have a preference to what type of learner we are, all of us have at least some of all three traits within us. It's important we become aware of them so we can adjust ourselves to get the best out of any learning situation we're in. Equally, if we find ourselves delivering the training we also have to understand that we can make our training more effective if we try to cater for all three types.

Ensure any presentation, lesson or training you deliver has aspects that appeal to all three traits. Statements, scenarios and stories for the listener, demos, diagrams, images and props for the watcher, and activities, exercises and involvement for the do'er.This way we receive and deliver really effective training in any situation.