How to Design Workshops for Different Learning Styles
Picture this: you’re hosting a DIY candle-making workshop. One attendee is frantically jotting down every word you say, another is already elbow-deep in wax without waiting for instructions, and someone else is just sitting there, squinting at the candles, waiting for the process to make sense magically. Now you know that you have to design workshops for different learning styles.
As a workshop host on Hands On (the ultimate marketplace for workshops), you’ve probably noticed that participants learn in wildly different ways. Some thrive on visuals, others need to do the thing themselves and a few just want to be told exactly what to do (bless their organized hearts). Designing workshops that cater to multiple learning styles isn’t just considerate—it’s also the key to making sure everyone leaves feeling like a crafting champion.
Let’s dive into how you can create workshops that are as dynamic as the people attending them.
Understand the main learning styles
Before you start designing workshops for different learning styles, it’s good to know who you’re catering to. Here are the big three learning styles:
- Visual Learners: These folks love diagrams, pictures and color-coded instructions. They’ll be the ones ogling your step-by-step demo like it’s the Mona Lisa.
- Auditory Learners: They need to hear instructions clearly. They’re all ears (and maybe the occasional question) as you explain the process.
- Kinesthetic Learners: These hands-on champs need to dive in and do. They’re the ones holding the glue gun before you’ve even said, “Step one.”
Start with a multi-sensory demo
Want to keep everyone engaged? Kick off your workshop with a demo that combines visuals, words and actions. For example:
- Show It: Use visuals like a sample finished product or step-by-step instructions on a poster or screen.
- Explain It: Narrate what you’re doing as you’re doing it. Describe the texture of the clay or the sound of the perfect paint consistency.
- Do It: Invite participants to try the first step alongside you. For kinesthetic learners, this is where the magic happens.
By addressing all three learning styles upfront, you’ll hook everyone from the start.
Provide flexible instructions
Think of instructions as a buffet: offer something for everyone. Here’s how:
- Visual: Create a printed handout with clear steps and pictures. Or better yet, hang up a giant step-by-step poster that participants can glance at.
- Auditory: Repeat key instructions out loud, and don’t be afraid to use humor to keep things engaging. “If your glue is oozing like a horror movie prop, you’ve used too much.”
- Kinesthetic: Include plenty of hands-on examples and let participants experiment with materials early on. Encourage them to “feel” their way through the process (literally).
Break the steps into bite-sized chunks
Ever notice how complicated instructions can feel overwhelming? Avoid this by breaking your workshop into smaller, digestible steps.
For instance, instead of saying, “Okay, now build the entire birdhouse,” start with, “Let’s sand down the edges first.” Each little win keeps participants motivated and makes the process feel manageable for all learning styles.
Encourage collaboration
Pairing up participants or encouraging group work is a great way to tap into different strengths. Visual learners can sketch out ideas, auditory learners can explain the steps and kinesthetic learners can dive right in. Everyone learns something new and no one’s left behind.
Plus, crafting is more fun when you’re laughing at your collective mistakes (like that one time everyone misread the glue instructions and created a sticky masterpiece).
Create a safe space for questions
Some participants might feel embarrassed to admit they’re struggling. Set the tone by saying, “There are no dumb questions here—only unanswered ones.”
Encourage people to ask for clarification and be ready to reframe your explanation for different styles. For example:
- Visual: “Let me show you again.”
- Auditory: “Listen as I describe the process once more.”
- Kinesthetic: “Here, try holding this tool like this.”
Use Hands On to reach your ideal participants
Lastly, make sure your workshop listings on Hands On highlight how you accommodate different learning styles. Mention your multi-sensory approach, the tools you provide and how you create an inclusive, welcoming environment.
