Learning styles inequity for small to micro firms (SMFs): Social exclusion through work-based e-learning practice in Europe

Purpose – The elearn2work study of learning styles in the context of small to micro firms’ (SMFs) and their perceived satisfaction has identified some important finding specific to e-learning content design, delivery and international standards development.

Design/methodology/approach – The method of research adopts a deductive rather than an inductive approach via descriptive profiling and multivariate statistical analysis.
Findings – From the elearn2work study we have identified tentative findings that indicate e-learning inequity for many SMF learners including employees and managers. From our research there is a clear gap between the profile of SMF learners, in the context of their learning style, and the typical content that is currently being designed for e-learning provision. The sector is driven by analytic type
educators/trainers who are frequently not a reflection of SMF learners.

Originality/value – It could be argued that many SMF workers are currently being socially excluded from e-learning provision through pedagogy inequity when considering the lack of learning styles support in work-based learning practice.