4 Key Ways to Optimise Your Training for Type One Learners

Last blog I said we would give you some hints about optimising your training to ensure better learning and retention of information by your students. So in this post let’s take a little time to look at the sorts of learning environments that Type One Learners prefer. Remember that we all have aspects of each style, it is just that some of us have a higher preference for one type than another.

In the 4MAT model – Type One Learners prefer to learn through direct experience and then listening and sharing ideas with others. They need to be personally involved in their learning and most importantly they need to have that learning matter to them – the more deeply the better.

Type Ones like to have time to reflect on any ideas, but particularly new ideas before being asked to comment and can feel stressed when they are put on the spot. They are thoughtful and are very good at observing others. They value harmony in their immediate environment, both at work, at home and during training and thrive in working with small groups. Relationships are key, so if they don’t particularly like or get along with you as the teacher or trainer, or if the people they are working with are argumentative or difficult to work they might just find it difficult to concentrate and their learning will be affected.

I guarantee that you will find all different types of learners in your training environment and knowing their strengths and weaknesses can assist in organising the training environment, selecting the appropriate range of activities and strategies for delivery and creative ways of organising the learners to both capitalise on their strengths and also stretch them, just a little.

So what can you do to help these types in your training?

1. Start with an introductory activity

   How you start your training is critical for this group of learners. They need to feel a connection to you as the trainer and to the rest of the group they will be working with to truly engage with your content. As I have mentioned in previous posts though, you are looking for something that allows the group to share but is also closely related to the content of the training.

2. Allow them reflection time

   Give them time to think about their answer before putting them on the spot. Giving the group a heads up that responses are expected after a task can really help.

3. Provide opportunities for group work

   These learners enjoy working with others. It helps their ideas to form by talking them through in a group – so make sure you allow sufficient discussion time.

4. Step in quickly to deal with sarcasm and put- downs

Sometimes a group can develop interesting ways of working with each other and it can seem like it is a bit of a joke to use put-downs or sarcasm between colleagues. However, this needs to be monitored carefully as this type of learner can feel like a target when this is going on and will shut down to cope or stay out of the firing line, closing down their learning along with it!