Do Learning Styles Matter? How To Make Training Better for Everyone

Have you ever noticed that some people love taking notes, while others prefer watching a video or listening to a podcast? These differences have led to the idea of learning styles. This is the belief that people learn best in different ways. However, do learning styles actually matter when it comes to training? And more importantly, how can you design courses that help everyone succeed?

What Are Learning Styles?

The most well-known learning styles model is called VARK, which stands for:

  • Visual learners – People who learn best through images, diagrams, and charts.
  • Auditory learners – Those who prefer listening to explanations, lectures, or discussions.
  • Reading/Writing learners – People who absorb information best through written text, note-taking, and reading.
  • Kinesthetic learners – Those who understand concepts better when they can touch, move, or physically engage with the material.

For years, many believed that tailoring lessons to a learner’s preferred style would improve their ability to retain information. Yet, recent research suggests that this approach may not be as effective as once thought.

The Science Behind Learning Styles

A growing body of research has found little evidence to support the idea that people learn better when training matches their preferred style. In fact, most of us use multiple methods to understand new information, depending on the subject and context.

For example, a 2009 review published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest found no strong evidence for the “meshing hypothesis,” which suggests that instruction is more effective when tailored to individual learning styles. Instead, the study concluded that teaching with multiple approaches benefits all learners (Pashler, McDaniel, Rohrer, & Bjork, 2008).

Similarly, a study of medical students showed that while people reported learning style preferences, they’re not stuck with them. They adapted to different instructional methods when necessary. As a result, researchers stressed that a mix of visual, auditory, and hands-on teaching approaches was the best way to boost learning (Bușan, 2015).

These findings suggest that instead of focusing on a single learning style, it’s better to create well-rounded training programs that engage learners in different ways. This will also help you make more inclusive training.

How to Make Training Work for Everyone

If you’re designing a training program, the best approach is to offer a variety of learning experiences. Below are some ways to ensure your training is effective for all learners.

1. Use a Mix of Formats

People learn better when information is presented in different ways. Therefore, a strong course should include:

  • Videos and images for visual learners
  • Clear explanations and discussions for auditory learners
  • Written materials and guides for reading/writing learners
  • Hands-on activities or simulations for kinesthetic learners

By incorporating multiple methods, training becomes more engaging and effective.

2. Keep Training Interactive

The more learners participate, the better they understand. To achieve this, consider adding:

  • Quizzes to reinforce learning
  • Group discussions to encourage collaboration
  • Role-playing exercises to provide real-world practice

Not only do these methods boost engagement, but they also help learners retain information for longer periods.

3. Make Learning Flexible

Some learners prefer to go at their own pace, while others do better with structured instruction. That’s why online learning platforms can help by:

  • Offering self-paced courses that fit different schedules
  • Tracking progress and completion to identify learning gaps
  • Providing additional resources for learners who need extra support

With these flexible options, training becomes accessible and effective for everyone.

4. Focus on Real-World Application

Rather than designing training around learning styles, it’s more useful to focus on how learners will use the information. You can do this by:

  • Including case studies that apply concepts to real-life situations
  • Encouraging learners to practice new skills in their work or community
  • Providing interactive problem-solving activities that boost critical thinking

By making training relevant, learners can immediately apply what they’ve learned, leading to better retention and engagement.

Why This Matters for Your Training

If you’re investing in training—whether for employees, community health workers, or professional development—it’s important to make sure it actually works. Research suggests that engaging learners with multiple approaches is more effective than trying to match a specific learning style.

That’s why modern eLearning platforms provide:

  • Flexible, multimedia-rich courses to accommodate different needs
  • Interactive tools to make learning engaging
  • Training methods that work for all types of learners

When training is designed with all learners in mind, everyone benefits. And, it’s a better return on investment.

Ready to Build Better Training?

If you want to create engaging, effective training programs, we can help. Our eLearning solutions offer multimedia courses, interactive learning, and flexible training options—all designed to support every learner.

Want to see how it works? Contact us today for a free demo!

Want to create engaging training that works for all learners?

Download our free Guide to E-learning Strategy Essentials to learn best practices for designing better flexible courses.

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