Highlights:

* A person’s preferred behavior styles determines his preferred learning styles.

* Effective training appeals to all four learning styles.


Successful organizations have a culture of continuous improvement, and this requires continuous learning. Learning is most effective when teaching methods take into consideration the needs of different learning styles. Learning styles depend on the student’s behavior styles. Since trainees represent all four behavior styles, teaching should be delivered so that it lights up each of the four behavioral styles, that way all students are reached, no matter what their learning preference.

Exhibit 1 shows student-learning styles preferred by each behavior style, and shows the teaching method that fits the student learning style. For example, Logical students like facts, rational organization and structured presentations. Therefore, teaching methods should include lectures, textbooks and handouts. The teaching behavior that is effective for Logical students would be organized with clear objectives and expectations, and should be concise and orderly.

Continuing with the other three behavior styles, Creative students relate well to spontaneous, and imaginative approaches, as well as visual images such as graphics and videos. In fact, Aristotle tells us, “The soul never thinks without a picture.” Teaching behavior should complement the student creativeness when students think beyond the box.

People-oriented activities will best satisfy Peacemaker students because they work well in groups or pairs. Teachers should exhibit a warm, kind behavior with a sense of humor.

Finally, Warrior-oriented students work well separately, and learn best from self-directed study or by making class presentations. Teacher behavior should challenge Warrior-students and encourage their assertiveness.

Exhibit 1. Teach to Stimulate All Student Learning Styles

Logical Behavior Style
* Learning style: Facts, Quantitative, Sequential, Organized, Rational, Structured, Concrete.
* Teaching methods: Lectures, Textbooks, Case studies, Handouts.

Creative Behavior Style
* Learning style: Visual, Artistic, Conceptual, Experiential.
* Teaching methods: Graphic models, Videos, Role playing, Metaphors, Simulations.

Peacemaker Behavior Style
* Learning style: Interpersonal, Emotional, Feeling, Expressive.
* Teaching methods: Group activities, People-oriented cases, Games.

Warrior Behavior Style
* Learning style: Independent, Competitive, Risk-taker.
* Teaching methods: Self-directed studies, Class presentations.


Television is an example of an activity that stimulates all four behavior-styles:

-Scheduled programs appeal to the orderly Logical.
-Colorful pictures, and impulsive changes in channels appeal to the Creative.
-Being with people on TV appeals to the gregarious Peacemaker.
-The remote control gives us power that appeals to the independent Warrior.

In my experience as a teacher, students prefer one, two or maybe three learning styles, and usually avoid the fourth. Effective teachers light up the classroom by using methods that stimulate all four learning styles. In active learning environments, for example, teachers will present a brief lecture and then switch to small-group discussion. How education and training are delivered to employees is critical in building their knowledge and skills.