We’re all about flexible events at the Annex of Oakley. Sometimes that manifests in our adjustable event spaces. Other times it’s a matter of designing programs that cater to the introverts as well as the extroverts. And in many cases, flexibility should extend to the types of learning materials you provide to your audience. If you want to engage the most people, inclusivity requires targeting different learning styles within your event.
It can feel like a challenge to create an event that caters to every person’s needs and preferences. And you may never find the perfect balance. But striving to target each of the four VARK learning styles can help you be mindful of developing a well-rounded event. The VARK model was developed by Neil Fleming, whose questionnaire helped students discover their learning style by revealing how they best took in information.The VARK learning styles include:
Visual: Takes in information through images, graphics, charts, and other visual elements
Auditory: Learns best through listening to information as spoken word or music
Reading/writing: Learns through reading and writing, using materials like textbooks, workbooks, and handouts
Kinesthetic: Prefers learning through physical activity and hands-on experiences
Research suggests that most people prefer more than one of these learning styles. But the more styles you address in your event, the more likely you are to deliver an experience that will resonate with the majority of your attendees. The following tips will help you be mindful of how you present key information and engagement opportunities so you can create more inclusive events.
Collect data ahead of time
If your timeline allows it, you can collect helpful information—like preferred learning styles—with a pre-event survey. Using a tool like Google forms allows you to gather data about your audience, which can inform how you plan your gathering. Whether you’re planning a quarterly meeting, a panel discussion, or a brainstorming session, you’ll be empowered to plan ahead with information about your group.
Provide group options
You don’t have to know all the details of everyone’s preferences to make your event work for multiple learning styles. Instead, focus on creating options that work well for each style and let your attendees pick. You might offer four different breakout group options, such as:
Group discussions with note taking for visual auditory learners
Walking discussions for kinesthetic learners
Reflection exercises for those who learn best by reading and writing
Share event materials in multiple formats
A panel discussion may be digested on the spot by someone who is a strong auditory learner. But a person who learns best by reading and writing could miss a lot of information. Get creative and find ways to mix up the format of your content.
For something auditory like a discussion or lecture, you may consider offering pen and paper for note taking, sending out a recording of the meeting with an accompanying slide show, or breaking up the discussion with breakout groups. Sometimes meeting everyone’s unique needs in the moment is impossible. But making the extra effort to share helpful learning materials after the fact will leave your attendees feeling valued and cared for.
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