Mentoring in paramedicine often happens on the go—during downtime between jobs, in the back of an ambulance, or at the end of a tough shift. Whether you’re onboarding a new team member or sharing clinical experience with a colleague, the way you teach matters. And one of the most effective ways to support someone’s learning is to recognise how they take in information best.
People don’t all learn the same way. Some need to see it, some need to hear it, and others need to do it themselves. If you’re mentoring or guiding a colleague, tailoring your teaching to their learning preference can make the difference between frustration and confidence.
✨ Why Learning Styles Matter in Mentorship
Understanding learning styles isn’t about labelling people—it’s about recognising that different approaches help different learners absorb and retain information. When you adjust your communication to meet someone where they are, you:
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Build trust and rapport more quickly.
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Boost learning outcomes and confidence.
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Create a culture of support and shared growth.
✨ Quick Refresher: The VARK Learning Styles
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Visual learners prefer images, diagrams, and seeing the process in action.
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Auditory learners understand best through listening and verbal explanation.
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Reading/writing learners absorb written words, lists, and structured notes.
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Kinesthetic learners learn through hands-on experience and physical practice.
✨ Practical Tips for On-the-Job Mentoring
✅ Ask First
Before jumping into teaching, ask:
“How do you usually like to learn something new?”
This opens the door to adapting your approach—and shows you care about making the experience helpful for them.
✅ Mix Up Your Delivery
Offer a combination of explanation, demonstration, and practice:
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Visual learner? Draw out a flowchart or show them a checklist in action.
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Auditory learner? Talk them through your thought process during a job.
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Reading/writing learner? Let them review a protocol or jot down a summary.
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Kinesthetic learner? Let them try the skill hands-on, with feedback as they go.
✅ Reflect Together
After a job or skill session, ask reflective questions like:
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“What part of that stuck with you most?”
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“Was there anything you would do differently next time?”
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“What helped you remember the process?”
These prompts help you understand how they learn—and how you can support them better next time.
🧠 Final Thought
Being a great mentor isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being adaptable, curious, and patient. When you recognise and respect how others learn, you help them grow faster and more confidently. That’s not just good for them—it’s great for the whole team.
➡️ Teach with awareness. Mentor with purpose. Lead through learning.
