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EPM & BPC Training: Addressing the Needs of Adult Learners

Written by Jennifer Harlan | Thu, Mar 07, 2013 @ 18:03 PM

No single model of training will be the best for all situations, and different learners have different learning styles. Many educators have only recently started to recognize using multiple learning styles when developing educational materials.

  • Aural (Auditory) Learners process new information best when they can hear it, for example through lectures and discussions.
  • Logical (Mathematical) Learners process new information best when using reasoning and systems.
  • Physical (Kinesthetic) Learners process new information best when they can touch or manipulate it, for example when taking notes and participating in activities. 
  • Social (Interpersonal) Learners process new information best in groups or with other people.
  • Solitary (intrapersonal) Learners process new information best when working alone or using self-study materials.
  • Verbal (Linguistic) Learners process new information using words, both in speech and writing.
  • Visual (Spatial) learners process new information best when they can see it, for example with graphics, images and demonstrations.

Traditional schooling tends to use a limited range of learning techniques, focusing mainly on the Verbal and Logical learning styles. As a result, those who favor these learning styles are often labeled as “bright” while students who prefer other learning styles may be characterized with less-than-complimentary labels.

Although most people are predominantly one type of learner, they can usually adapt to another style. Learners seek out their preferred learning style whenever possible, because they associate it with learning success.

All of Column5 Consulting’s EPM Academy training courses are offered in 3 different delivery methods, each of which utilizes a multi-faceted approach to leverage the strengths of as many learning styles as possible.

  • Onsite Classroom- Instructor-led training courses offered at client site.
    • Information is presented verbally while also being visually projected onto a screen, using a systematic approach.
    • Questions and discussion are encouraged between the instructor and students, and amongst the student group.
    • Topics are discussed in granular detail via instructor software demonstrations projected onto a screen.
    • Learners gain experience with each topic via hands-on exercises within the software.
  • Virtual Classroom- Web training courses conducted online with a live instructor.
    • Information is presented verbally while also being displayed visually on each learner’s monitor, using a systematic approach.
    • Questions and discussion are encouraged between the instructor and students, and amongst all students logged into the session.
    • Topics are discussed in granular detail via instructor software demonstrations displayed on each learner’s monitor.
    • Learners gain experience with each topic via self-paced exercise simulations within the software, which are accessed via the EPM Academy Learning Portal.
  • Online Independent eLearning- Interactive online training courses.
    • Lessons are self-paced, and each learner is granted 24/7 access to their training courses, which are accessed via the EPM Academy Learning Portal.
    • Information is presented verbally while also being displayed visually on each learner’s monitor, using a systematic approach.
    • Topics include knowledge check questions, with feedback provided for correct and incorrect answers.
    • Topics are displayed in granular detail via guided simulations displayed on each learner’s monitor.
    • Learners gain experience with each topic via self-paced exercise simulations within the software, which are accessed via the EPM Academy Learning Portal.

By understanding and recognizing your own learning style preferences, you can use techniques better suited to you, and thus improve the quality and speed of your learning. At Column5 Consulting’s EPM Academy, we are committed to your learning success, providing you with learning experiences that engage all learning styles.

Column5 EPM Academy has announced 2013 dates for their Logic Boot Camps!