-Maintenance Management: What influences learning styles?

Learning styles are not absolute. People sometimes exhibit a combination of two or three different styles. And frequently, other factors influence the preferred learning style of the moment:

Environment: Whether the information is imparted in a conference room, classroom, shop floor, or other location can determine the comfort level — and preferred learning style — of individuals.

Longevity: The longer an individual has participated in other training programs or presentations, the more flexible he may be in picking up new information.

Relationships: As individuals become comfortable with the person imparting information, they may become more flexible in their learning styles.

Time constraints: The longer the presentation or training period, the more styles the presenter can use — and the greater the likelihood that individuals can practice different styles.

Risk: The riskier the outcome of the presentation, the more likely an individual will want to stick with her preferred learning style.