Accommodating John's tactile kinesthetic learning style at ADA Solutions

¶ … ADA Solutions

Human resources (HR) departments today have to confront many issues that are related to an individual's learning styles and preferences. Not only does the consideration of an employee's learning style have a range of compliance issues that can be related, but it is also advantageous that organizations use this information to effectively create training and professional development programs so that employees are better equipped to handle the tasks required of them. An effective training strategy can empower an employee with new skills that can make them more effective in their daily routine. Thus overcoming any challenges to career development can significantly improve the organization as a whole.

In this specific case, John has a prominent learning style that is defined as tactile/kinesthetic. The online course that was suggested for him to take might not be the best avenue for his career development education. Furthermore, he has requested accommodation under the ADA due to his learning style. The ADA makes many provision for assist those with disabilities. Before John could request an alternate learning platform under the ADA, he would have to show some evidence of his disability. However, whether or not John has an official disability, as previously mentioned it is still better for the organization to accommodate his specific learning style to ensure the most effective training platform possible.

Each learner is naturally different in many respects, so it can be assumed that learners will vary in their estimation of evaluation criteria depending on these individual differences (Lee, 2015). It seems obvious that an online instruction format may not be the right fit for John to learn new skills.

"To meet the demand of a technologically adept, ever-changing, diverse employee and student population, trainers and educators must have access to updated information in the "need to know" areas, be knowledgeable about different learning and training styles, and know the advantages of utilizing different learning styles in training situations with adult learners (McLane, 2011)."

To meet John's needs regarding his specific learning style, a more physical and hands on approach is recommended.

There are a variety of ways to match John's learning style to an effective career development plan. Learning is a holistic process of adaptation to the world. Not just the result of cognition, learning involves the integrated functioning of the total person - thinking, feeling, perceiving, and behaving (Kolb & Kolb, 2005). John seems to have what is referred to as an accommodating learning style which is action-oriented approach to learning. John will learn best by options such as on-the-job training or job shadowing to learn new skills in an interactive way; an educational format that is dynamic and social.