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In training or learning
environment, the learning style of an
individual greatly influences the learning
process and retention of knowledge and
skills. In 1978, Dr Kenneth Dunn and Dr Rita Dunn, identified three
learning styles namely: Visual, Auditory,
and
Kinesthetic (VAK). We use the VAK senses in
any learning environment but information is
best absorbed and disguised in our preferred
style. The
VAK learning styles model suggests that most
people can be divided into one of three
preferred styles of learning.
This brings to light that a teacher or
trainer must consider presenting learning
knowledge to suit a learner of visual,
auditory and kinaesthetic learning styles.
Learners with a preferred Auditory learning
style has a preference for golf trainers to
be able to explain the golf swing technique
step-by-step explicitly. They receive
information best through listening to spoken
words and communication. These people will
use phrases such as “tell me again about the
importance of the back-swing”, “I will
feedback to you after my practice”. They are
good to perform a new task after listening
to instructions from an expert. These are
the people who remember: jokes, what they
hear on the radios, all the words to songs
and are happy being given spoken
instructions verbally. Examples of auditory
dominant people are the radio DJs,
newscasters, debaters and counselors.
Learners with a preferred Visual learning
style have a preference for golf trainers to
be able to demonstrate the golf swing
technique competently. They received
information best through seeing and
observing. These people like to see
demonstrations, videos, pictures and
diagrams pertaining to what need to be
learned. These people will use phrases such
as “show me again in slow motion”, “I want
to see how you do it”. They are good to
perform a new task after reading the
instructions or watching from an expert
doing it first. These are the people who are
happy to work from what they have seen, a
demonstration, a list of written directions
and instructions. Examples of visual
dominant people are fashion designers,
landscape designers and cartoon creators.
Learners with a preferred Kinesthetic
learning style has a preference for golf
trainers to be able to physically assist
them during their golf swing technique
learning process. They received information
best through physical experience – touching,
feeling, holding, doing, and practical
hands-on experiences. These people will use
phrases such as “let me try to do it
correctly again”, “I can feel my body going
out of balance during golf swing action”.
They are good to perform a new task by going
ahead and trying out - their learning is the
doing. These are the people who like to
experiment and be hands-on. Examples of
kinesthetic dominant people are sportsmen,
sportswoman, artesian, acrobats and
instrument-musicians.
People commonly have a main preferred
learning style, but it can be part or a
blend of all three.
When you know your preferred learning
style(s) you understand the type of learning
that best suits you. This enables you to
choose the type of learning that works best
for you. There is no right or wrong learning
style. The point is that when you are in
training and learning environment are types
of learning that are right for your own
preferred learning style during your skill
or task acquisition process.
As a golf teaching professional for many
years with vast experiences working with
different nationalities of adults and
children, it is my responsibility to present
learning information in the three styles to
benefit my golf learners. The golf swing
technique and game improvement skills also
require cognitive, physiological and
experiential challenge during the learning.
Therefore learners should employ all three
preferred learning styles during their
lessons but focus on their dominant
preferred learning style for best retention
of knowledge and skills.
.
Remember to practice and apply what you
learn from your learning preference styles
otherwise your skills will not be competent.
Philip Ang
Asian Golf Centre
Certified & Licensed
USGTF
Master Golf Teaching Professional - USA
Certified Professional Teacher and Trainer -
University of Cambridge UK
Singapore Sport Council - NCAP Level 1, 2 & 3
Singapore WDA-WSQ ACTA Certified Trainer & Assessor
Certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP™) Practitioner -
USA
Certified Professional Clubmaker by GCA (USA)
GCA Winner International Clubmaker of the Year - USA
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