Why Learning Styles Still Matter — Even If the Experts Disagree
For years, we were told to design training based on learning styles: visual, auditory, kinaesthetic. Then came the backlash — “There’s no scientific evidence!” they said. “People learn in multiple ways!”
Fair enough.
But in the real world — especially in small businesses — learning styles still offer something powerful: a lens to make your training more human and practical.
Here’s why they still matter — and how to use them smartly, not blindly.
1. The Research Might Be Messy, But the Insight Is Real
Yes, the science behind learning styles is debated. But in practice:
Some people remember better when they see a flowchart.
Others need to talk it through to grasp the concept.
And some only get it once they try it themselves.
Real-world learning is messy. Preferences matter — even if they don’t follow academic rules.
2. Learning Styles Help You Ask Better Questions
When planning workplace training, asking “How do my staff learn best?” is a game-changer.
It helps you:
Design better handovers
Create onboarding that sticks
Match tasks to training format (demo vs manual vs discussion)
Even if you don’t label them VAK (Visual-Auditory-Kinaesthetic), noticing how someone naturally absorbs information gives you leverage.
3. You’re Already Using Them (Even If You Don’t Know It)
Ever:
Sent someone a video tutorial instead of a written SOP?
Asked someone to walk a colleague through a task?
Noticed someone remembers better after sketching on a whiteboard?
That’s you adapting to learning preferences.
The trick is to be intentional — not accidental — about how you train.
4. How to Use Learning Styles Without Getting Lost in Labels
Forget quizzes and personality tests for now. Do this instead:
Observe: How do they ask questions? Do they take notes? Do they repeat things aloud?
Ask: “Would it help if I showed you / walked you through / let you try it yourself?”
Offer options: Video + worksheet. Demo + checklist. Talk-through + written SOP.
Give people more than one way to absorb the same thing. That’s inclusive training — not rigid theory.
5. It’s About Engagement, Not Categorisation
The point of learning styles isn’t to put people in boxes. It’s to increase:
Engagement
Retention
Confidence in applying new skills
If someone feels frustrated or stupid during training, they’re not going to retain it — no matter how accurate your content is.
Final Thought:
Learning styles are a tool, not a truth.
Don’t over-rely on them. But don’t throw them away either. Use them to meet people where they are — and watch your training actually stick.
