Learning Style and Preferred Mode of Delivery of Adult Learners in Web-Based, Classroom, and Blended Training

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between adult learners’ preferred learning style and preference for delivery mode. The subjects (n=61) were technical and billing support call center employees from an Internet company in Dallas, Texas. The participants were randomly assigned to one of six groups and given Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory to assess their preference for learning style. They received training on three modules of “Influencing Others Positively”, with each module delivered via one of three methods (web-based, classroom, and blended). Participants were also administered two surveys. The first survey collected demographic information and asked which method they expected they would prefer. The second survey was administered after the course and asked them to rank their preferences for delivery method. It was hypothesized that learning style would be significantly associated with preference for delivery method. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test of independence for the variables learning style and preferred mode of delivery. Although the chi-square test of independence did not produce statistical significance, some interesting trends were identified in the data. Specifically, a majority of the participants preferred a blended approach to training delivery (a combination of self-paced web-based training and classroom group exercises). No Divergers preferred classroom training and no Accommodators preferred web-based training. Additionally, a logistic regression analysis indicated that Assimilators were six times more likely than Divergers to prefer a blended approach to training (p<.10). Further studies should utilize other learning style theories, explore different types of learning outcomes and delivery methods, and include a larger sample from different organizations. Training needs assessments should include learning style inventories as part of the audience analysis prior to training development.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2002

Author dc:creator

• McFeely, David

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sarkees-Wircenski, Michelle
• Pillai, Vijayan
• Wircenski, Jerry L.

• Learning, Psychology of.
• Cognitive styles.
• Internet in education.
• Employees -- Training of -- Computer-assisted instruction.
• Adult education.
• learning styles
• web-based training
• adult learners
• training delivery
• blended training

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• McFeely, David
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 50761754
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc3177/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc3177

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc3177