Learning with a Purpose: Success Story

Describe the Issue or Situation:
 Adults engage in lifelong learning, but many are unaware of how they learn best. Traditional education methods often overlook individual learning preferences, which can hinder engagement and retention. The “Learning with a Purpose” program was created to help participants identify their unique learning styles and explore how emotions and environment influence learning success.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response:
 Using the University of Kentucky Extension curriculum People Learn with a Purpose – Understanding Learning Styles, the session introduced seven key learning styles—visual, auditory, verbal, kinesthetic, logical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Through interactive activities, self-assessments, and reflective discussion, participants learned how to recognize and adapt to their own learning style as well as others’. The program emphasized the importance of creating learning environments that foster emotional safety and engagement. After the program, we reviewed the lesson by playing BINGO!

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience:
 The program was attended by 39 homemakers, many of whom hold leadership roles in their local clubs and communities. These individuals often plan educational events, teach others, and lead service projects.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact:
33 participants completed evaluations, and the results were overwhelmingly positive:

• 76% of respondents (25 of 33) reported being very satisfied, and another 18% (6 of 33) were satisfied with the program.
• 92% (30 of 33) said they could apply the knowledge and skills gained within their organization.
• Presenters were highly rated, with 97% (32 of 33) stating that facilitators were knowledgeable and well-prepared.
• Growth in participant confidence was clear:
  • 67% (22 of 33) rated themselves at the highest level in evaluating learning styles post-training, up from only 24% (8 of 33) prior.
  • 61% (20 of 33) rated themselves at the highest level in selecting appropriate learning activities post-training, compared to just 3% (1 of 33) before.
  • In understanding the role of positive emotions in learning, 61% (20 of 33) rated themselves at the highest level after the program, up from 15% (5 of 33) before.

Participants left with tools to enhance how they communicate, teach, and engage with others in their clubs and communities. One attendee shared, “This really helped me think about how I can better plan activities that reach all types of learners.”