People learn and retain information differently. To keep as many people as possible engaged throughout the Stigma Conversation, the facilitators should respect the different learning style needs of the audience and try to integrate different activities to ensure optimal retention. If facilitators don’t respect these learning styles, people will start to drift away from the meeting, be on their phones, or disengage in conversations.
The three main types of learners are:
- Visual: Learners need to see the data presented on a PowerPoint or hand copy and be able to take time to read the information. Facilitators should make sure participant copies of materials are shared. Facilitators should also consider switching up presentations using different media platforms including video, pictures, or graphics to showcase data.
- Auditory: Learners need data presented auditorily or may need to repeat the data back to the presenter to retain.
- Kinesthetic/Tactile: Learners need to be in motion and active to best retain information. Facilitators should allow for chances for the audience to move around, get up and walk, as well as be accepting of people who may need to stand for portions of the day. Facilitators should also provide notebooks and writing materials to help these learners stay active.
More information can be found here.