Tips for Teachers and Trainers: Engaging All Students

As a corporate trainer for over 5 years, and manager of trainers (teachers) for a few more, I learned that there are three types of learners: Audio, visual and kinesthetic (hands-on.) People learn so many ways, but are generally prone to absorbing information better if presented a certain way that appeals to their learning style. This is the very reason it is important to appeal to all types of learners, when standing in front of the class. It guarantee's that you are offering a little something for everyone to keep them engaged and ensure maximum learning is taking place.

Audio Learner
The audio learner understands lessons through hearing. I think many trainers mistake this for a participant that absorbs information via lecture. That is not necessarily true; in fact, it may be the furthest thing from truth. What it means is that they are going to need varying sound effects to stay engaged. A lecture, if delivered monotone, will be as unappealing as simply reading the material. What this means is, they need the most stimulation in the audio realm.

So, what does that look like? How can a trainer take audio to the next level? Try these in your next class to take humdrum to high interest for those who claim they love to listen:

- Music
- Silence (never underestimate the dramatic power of silence!)
- Whisper
- Dramatic claps
- Surprising voice inflection
- Sound Effects
- Rhyming or Rhythmic cadence with key points
- White noise (in background during test taking)
- Participation from others; change of dominant voice
- Guest Speakers
- Change of Scenery (going outside, different sounds)
- Games that generate sounds
- Humor and laughter
- Activities that involve discussion
- Accents (try covering a piece of content with a foreign accent - fun)
- Sing!

It may seem like a lot to incorporate in one session, or day. But when you are preparing, simply make a note in your lesson plan/notes to do a few of these things as a reminder. The reward is keeping the best listeners interested, learning and having fun.

Visual Learner
The visual learner is going to be more stimulated by seeing things, as they relate to the lesson. If someone identifies themselves "visual", it does not mean they don't learn another way, it just means they feel they absorb information better, or are more engaged if they can see something to illustrate the point. As adults, it is surprising how many people are still visual learners. But most people are very visual to a point. (Thus, the power of advertising. Ha)

There are so many ways to engage visual learners with very minimal effort. Great suggestions include:

- Slideshows
- Movie Segments that help make a point
- Laser Pointers (follow the red dot!)
- Pictures that are passed around
- Looking at the material, book or reading along/out loud
- Computer Video Clips
- Projections
- Computer interaction
- Skits, where there are new things/people to look at
- Change of scene (new room, tour)
- Costumes
- Movement of the Trainer, change your location and stance often
- Dramatic motions periodically- Decorations

The one caution that comes with appealing to this learning style is going overboard. Too much visual stimulation can detract from the content and over-doing it results in less learning for everyone. Much like planning to engage audio learners, careful attention to simple and sparing visual engagement must be planned for. No one learns when there is too much going on to absorb, or when the leader spends too much time accommodating this style. In fact, it can be considered a waste of time for other styles. So create visual emphasis with caution.

Kinesthetic Learner
A kinesthetic learner is most likely to become disinterested because they admit that they learn best hands-on. Again, this is not to say they do not learn other ways, they simply learn best when they "do-it-themselves." Many people would say they are hands-on because it is an awesome way for anyone to learn, however, a true kinesthetic learner disengages faster than any other learner and it is imperative that they be captured because they tend to create a downcast spirit on those around them displaying kinesthetic traits to keep themselves entertained, like tapping their pen, swinging their leg, or spinning in a chair. They detract from the whole room without engagement.

So, let's look at a few ways to reel them in:

- Get participants out of their seat
- Require movement through games and skits
- Alternate time on computer with talk time in hour increments or less
- Take a poll (requires movement)
- Have learners stand when they read
- Incorporate participant motion with words ("Every time I say ___ , clap!")
- Offer frequent breaks or stretch time
- Use kinesthetic learner often as prop ("You stand here, you will be the tower.")
- Use this learner to help with errands and chores ("Would you mind dimming the lights for us?" "Would you please pass these tests out for me?")
- Have them chart key items on wall/board
- Have them illustrate key points

Kinesthetic learners are usually high-energy people and can be an asset to the class. Be careful to not allow them to be seen as a "favorite" because you call on them frequently. Use their gifts when it pertains to movement only.

It takes all kinds. We have heard that before, but never has it seemed as evident as when teaching and truly trying to understand and relate to the styles in the room. But make no mistake, if you carefully plan to appeal to these three styles, your participation will improve and learning will skyrocket!