Four Learning Styles

Discovering your own learning style can make you aware of why you write as you do. Including a variety of structures in your writing will accommodate the learning styles of your readers.

The Doer - is outgoing; likes to learn by doing and from other people

• Use second person “you” to try to involve the reader
• Be upbeat and positive
• Be interactive: put games in a brochure, Q&A section in a letter

The Reflector/Observer - is sensitive to others’ feelings; is imaginative and creative

• Use appealing formatting
• Add short stories to involve the reader’s emotions

The Abstract Thinker - is interested in ideas and concepts

• Use diagrams or models to summarize a process or give an overview of the material

The Experimenter - likes concrete information and practical applications

• Give figures and data to demonstrate your points.

(Adapted from David Kolb)