“Tell me and I’ll know. Show me and I’ll understand.” Confucius
Becoming a successful brewer requires a combination of the right knowledge and skills. In a market that now constantly demands innovation brewers and breweries need to continually improve and develop their products if they are to stand out from the crowd.
Brewing is a rapidly changing landscape where brewers must constantly update their skills in order to stay ahead – meaning learning is an integral part of their job.
But not everyone learns in the same way. The VAK model of learning tells us there are three types of learners; Visual, Auditory or Kinesthetic.
Visual learners retain information better in pictorial form. Preferring to learn using pictures or graphs for example.
Auditory learners prefer to listen and take notes. Lectures and discussions with teachers and peers are best for them.
Kinesthetic learners tend to learn by experience. Hands-on practical learning suits them best, preferring to do things and learn by experience.
After years of developing brewing training courses here at Brewlab, we know that the best way to keep all learners engaged is to teach them to learn to brew both practically while but also understanding the theory behind what they are doing too. We’ve trained over 2,600 people over the years and experience tells us that using different learning techniques engages both the brain and body of students, keeping them stimulated throughout their course.
Using both practical and theoretical learning means that every type of learner will benefit, whether you prefer a more hands-on approach or learn better through listening, writing and reading.
Practical learning is usually defined as a task in which students observe and then carry out, build or manipulate materials or witness a demonstration.
This can be an engaging way to learn and makes a change from listening and writing. Using practical learning allows you to get hands-on experience and learn the tools and techniques of the brewing trade.
Whatever type of learner you are practice will ensure you feel more confident and competent in the skills and techniques you will need to do your job effectively.
Of course, there are certain things that you can only truly learn by watching and doing but practical knowledge will also give you a deeper understanding of a particular technique, through personal experience.
Theoretical is a lot less about the “how” and a lot more about the “why”. It fine doing practical work, but if you do not understand why something is being done, you will not have the right level of understanding to carry out the task and you will not know what to do if something goes wrong. Theory can also show you why the technique you thought would work, does not.
Here at Brewlab, we believe that the right blend of both styles of learning is vital if a training course is going to be effective. That’s why our courses are 50/50 practical and theoretical learning. The ‘how’ and the ‘why’.
Theory on its own will not teach you all the skills you need, neither will practical. In brewing, you will need to master both. That’s why Brewlab taring courses are designed with the right balance of practical and theoretical learning. Our many successful graduates are a testament to this approach.
No matter what type of learner you are. If you’d like more information on how you can accelerate your brewing knowledge and skills check out our training courses or email richard@brewlab.co.uk
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