Should I do an AIRA Classroom (face to face) or Online (virtual) course?
What are learning styles?
When it comes to your education, knowing your preferred learning style helps you get the most out of every learning opportunity, reduces revision stress, and speeds up your progress. Finding your individual information processing style may help you with future decision-making and teamwork.
Learning styles have been the subject of much debate over the years, but Neil Fleming’s technique is one of the most widely used. Fleming theorised that we are all one of four main types of learners: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinaesthetic. He named this method the VARK model.
Why are these 4 learning styles important?
Recognising learning styles can enhance the effectiveness of the learning process.
Understanding these different types of learning styles can drastically impact the way teachers handle their students, set up group projects and adapt individual learning. It improves the quality of the learning process. An individual learns best when the information is presented in a way that matches their learning style. AIRA strives to accommodate all types of learning types throughout the course.
Which of the 4 learning types are you?
1. Visual learners process information more effectively when they can see it.
If you are a visual learner, you prefer to comprehend and process information through the use of images, maps, and graphics. You like to employ visual components rather than words.
Which course suits Visual Learners?
Aira’s Face to face training clearly has the trainer in the classroom, whereas virtual training has our trainer right in front of you, albeit on a screen. Both courses make use of visuals and graphics to emphasise key themes and aid comprehension.
2. Auditory learners like to hear information.
If you are an auditory learner, you will retain information better by actively participating in circumstances like lectures, classrooms, or group discussions as well as by listening. When something is said to you verbally, you remember it.
Which course suits Auditory Learners?
Aira’s Face to face has a slight advantage over the virtual course. Although both types of courses allow for discussions and interactions, it is slightly more convenient with face to face.
3. Read-write learners prefer to see the written words.
Reading and writing are two of your greatest assets for absorbing knowledge. You consider yourself a diligent note-taker who reads study notes to digest information.
Which course suits Read-Write Learners?
Whether you are classroom based or on our virtual course, AIRA supplies you a hard copy manual with plenty of space on each page for note taking.
4. Kinaesthetic learners like to acquire information through experience and practice.
If you are a Kinaesthetic learner, you will learn best by physically doing. You are a hands-on learner who like to be in the thick of things. You enjoy making a personal experience out of studying something specific and digesting that knowledge through recreation or practise of a skill.
Which course suits Kinaesthetic Learners?
There are several hands-on activities in both face-to-face and virtual classes. The only difference is that AIRA supplies the materials for the face-to-face course, but for the virtual course, you are notified a week in advance in our welcome letter what materials you will need to complete the hands-on activities.
Most people are a combination of styles, but more times than not, they have a predominant style of learning. By learning what kind of learner you are, you can gain a better perspective on how to implement your learning styles into your studies and workplace.
Conclusion: One single approach to teaching does not work for every student or even for most of the students. AIRA has tailored both our course types to reflect our understanding of these learning models and have incorporated different techniques to suit.
Pros & Cons for Face-to-Face Classroom based learning for the individual.
Pros:
- Individuals who find that they learn more working with others will likely flourish in more traditional face to face class.
- Face-to-face interaction can also provide more networking opportunities.
- Offers a controlled learning environment that can keep students on track and focused.
- Classroom instruction enables students to work together and gain knowledge from one another.
- You’ll be able to concentrate harder on your learning because there’ll be less distraction than if you were at home.
- It builds communication and interpersonal skills.
- Lunch, morning and afternoon tea included in AIRA classroom-based course.
Cons:
- One of the negatives associated with classroom-based training delivery is that not everyone is comfortable learning in this environment.
- Some people may feel that they are too shy to ask questions and express uncertainty in front of their peers.
- Travel issues.
- Accommodation expense.
Pros & Cons for the Virtual classroom learning for the individual.
Pros:
- Students can save the time involved in traveling to attending classes.
- Convenience.
- Great for the students who prefer to learn alone.
- Slightly cheaper to register.
- Savings in both Travel and Accommodation.
- If shy, can ask questions privately using the chat box feature.
Cons:
- Some find there are more distractions around them, especially if they are in their home environment.
- Loss of opportunity to one to one network with others especially in breaks.
- Wi-Fi issues with home-based attendees.
- Hardware issues/computer/sound with personal computers.
Both AIRA’s Face to Face and Virtual courses incorporate the Learning by doing method. Practice by doing, a form of “Discover Learning”, is one of the most effective methods of learning and study. This method of study encourages students to take what they learn and put it into practice – whereby promoting deeper understanding and moving information from short-term to long-term memory.
Whatever Learning style category you fall into, you will find that the AIRA courses will meet your needs.
In terms of delivery style, some people prefer virtual courses for the conveniance, while others prefer more human connection with the other students and the teacher.
Whatever your preference, don’t delay in reserving a spot in one of our classes, the year is flying past and class numbers are capped.
Check our course availability using this link: Infrared Thermography Training | Advanced Infrared Resources Australia (irtau.com.au)
