As times change and new technologies emerge, there is always a learning curve. Knowing your own learning style can be very helpful in speeding up the process. Recognizing how your employees learn can be even more beneficial because you can tailor your training style to optimize their learning as well. Many people are familiar with Myers & Briggs and the 16 identified personality types. Far fewer people are aware of the different learning styles. In software development, we have to take these differences into account. Otherwise, we have a situation where only some folks can aptly use our free inventory management software. That wouldn't be good for business - now would it?
According to www.learning-styles-online.com there are seven different learning styles:
- Visual (spatial): You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
- Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
- Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
- Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and a sense of touch.
- Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
- Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
- Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.
Most people have some idea of which type they are. If you are unsure there are a number of online quizzes available to help you determine which style suits you best.
Obviously, not all of these learning styles lend themselves well to workplace training and there can be some challenges associated with trying to create a training that will work well for a group of people who have different learning styles. There are some things you can do to incorporate elements that will improve your training and reduce the employee’s learning curve. For example, our free inventory management software is flexible enough to allow each user to access an item or certain functions from multiple places. This allows each user a little different angle of approach to accomplish their inventory management tasks.
Of course, social learners will do well in a group training setting. Offer solitary learners an opportunity to study the material on their own and to try out the new process at a time when others aren’t present. Increasing their comfort level may help them grasp new concepts more easily. During a group training session, include both verbal and visual elements to engage your employees. If it is possible to incorporate music, do so. Music can be a great mnemonic device even for other learning types. For aural learners the use of a song while explaining a new concept can really speed up their retention. Logical learners like to understand the how and why so be sure to include this information whenever possible. It’s not enough for them to be told what the new process is, for it to really make sense they need to know why this way is better or why how making this change will impact your business as a whole. Hands-on training is best for physical learners. They want to actually go through the process. Watching all employees try out a new system is a great way to see where the issues are. You’ll be able to see what parts are confusing and determine which areas you need to offer more training on.
The best new technology out there won’t do you any good if you and your employees don’t know how to use it. Taking the time to identify the best way to learn and teach new concepts will really pay off in the long run. Your employees will appreciate the extra effort and they will gain a better grasp of material that is presented in a way that is easy for them to understand and remember. Again, this is another reason why we made our free inventory management software easy to use. Less buttons and widgets means more repetition and memory for the things that matter.
Need help learning to use Stockpile - the world's best free inventory management software? We offer a variety of online tutorials to get you started. Haven't tried Stockpile yet? Download it now and get started today!
