In paramedicine, learning happens everywhere—from a briefing before shift to the debrief after a tough job. Whether you realise it or not, you're probably teaching or mentoring someone every week. But here’s the catch: we don’t all learn the same way.
Some team members learn best by watching (visual), others by listening (auditory), reading (reading/writing), or doing (kinesthetic). When you recognise these learning styles and adjust how you share knowledge, you don’t just improve someone’s learning—you strengthen the whole team.
Supporting different learning styles doesn’t require formal training. It starts with small questions, observation, and a willingness to adapt. In high-pressure jobs like ours, that adaptability builds safer, more confident crews.
✨ Key Takeaways
1. You’re already a teacher.
Every demonstration, every explanation, every shared experience is a learning moment—especially for newer team members.
2. Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Visual learners benefit from seeing processes drawn out or demonstrated. Auditory learners prefer talking things through. Reading/writing learners like manuals or lists. Kinesthetic learners grasp things best through hands-on experience.
3. Adjusting your approach builds trust.
Asking someone how they prefer to learn shows respect, builds rapport, and makes learning more effective in the moment.
✅ Nudge
This week, tune in to how your colleagues learn. Do they seem to benefit from watching, listening, writing, or doing? The next time you’re teaching something—big or small—adapt your style just slightly to match theirs. That small shift can make a big difference in confidence and retention.
✅ Habit Hack
Ask one question before you teach or explain something:
"Would it help if I showed you, talked it through, or let you try it yourself?"
This simple prompt helps you customise your teaching on the go—and supports a more inclusive learning culture on your team.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Helping others learn well isn’t just good practice—it’s leadership in action. When we understand how our team learns, we build stronger clinicians, safer teams, and a more resilient workforce.
Let’s lead by learning—together.
