Must Know Learning Theories for Training Professionals

Whether facilitators like it or not, think it’s too much to learn or “don’t have the time for it” – it’s essential they have more than a working knowledge of learning theories as these are the tools that may well determine if learning objectives are transformed into learning outcomes! The following learning objectives provided only scratches the surface for required learning theories and are taken from the ATD Learning system for discussion: Learning Objectives:

• Explain David Kolb’s four basic learning styles.
• List the four elements of Ned Herrmann’s brainbased approach, and briefly explain each.
• Summarize the visual, audio and kinesthetic (VAK) model.
• Explain why it is important for instructors to understand the various intake methods described in the VAK model when delivering training.