How to Use Learning Styles to Improve Training in Health and Social Care

Knowing about learning styles benefits both trainers and learners in the health and social care sector. This approach recognises that everyone absorbs information differently. Using learning styles in training increases engagement and makes information stick better. In health and social care, this leads to more competent, confident staff and better support for service users.

Each person has unique preferences for how they take in and process new information. By noticing and responding to these differences, organisations can improve staff development and provide safer and more effective care.

The Main Learning Styles

Several models describe learning styles. The VARK model stands out and includes Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinaesthetic preferences.

Visual Learners

Visual learners like information presented with images, diagrams, charts, or videos. They understand content better when they see how things connect visually.

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners process information by listening. They do well with spoken instructions, discussions, and recordings.

Read/Write Learners

These learners favour reading text and writing things down. Handouts, books, policies, and online articles support their learning.

Kinaesthetic Learners

Kinaesthetic (sometimes called tactile) learners prefer learning through doing. Practical exercises, simulations, and hands-on activities help them learn.

Why Learning Styles Matter in Health and Social Care

Workers in health and social care settings come from many backgrounds. Some have lots of experience, while others are new. By identifying and working with learning styles, trainers reduce stress and help new knowledge stick.

The benefits include:

• Improved staff confidence and competence
• Fewer errors in practice
• Higher staff satisfaction
• Better support for service users

Meeting a range of learning needs helps bridge knowledge gaps and caters to all members of a team.

Assessing the Learning Styles of Your Team

Before adapting training, find out the learning styles of your staff. People often prefer one style but may benefit from using several. Assessing learning styles early helps plan engaging sessions.

Methods include:

• Asking staff how they learn best
• Quick surveys or questionnaires
• Observation of participation during different activities
• Informal discussions during supervision

Some online tools and resources are available, such as VARK questionnaires. These can be used informally to help staff reflect on their own preferences.

Adapting Training Session Content

A good training programme offers something for everyone. It blends visual, auditory, reading/writing, and hands-on activities.

Visual Approaches

Graphs, charts, posters, and slides support visual learners. Flow diagrams help explain care pathways or infection control procedures. Infographics summarise policies and procedures clearly and memorably.

Auditory Approaches

Explain topics out loud and encourage questions. Play recordings, offer opportunities for group discussion, and provide space for sharing experiences. Role-play activities support auditory learning and can bring real-life scenarios to life, encouraging listening and talking.

Read/Write Approaches

Offer written resources. Use handouts, procedures, policy documents and recommended reading lists. Leave space in handouts for learners to make notes. Encourage reflective journals where staff write about what they learned that day.

Kinaesthetic Approaches

Provide practical demonstrations and let staff practise new skills, such as handling equipment or carrying out personal care tasks. Simulations and scenario-based activities bring theory into practice. Allow staff to work through mock situations, such as responding to emergencies, so they can build confidence.

Blending Learning Styles for Best Results

Few people use only one learning style. Mixing styles creates a more inclusive environment and increases the chances that everyone learns well.

Effective blended approaches might include:

• Introducing a topic with a video, then discussing it as a group
• Providing written summaries of key points
• Ending with a relevant practical exercise
• Using quizzes or interactive games for reinforcement

These methods make sessions more lively and engaging.

Supporting Learning in Practice

Learning continues after training sessions. Supporting different learning styles in day-to-day work helps cement good practice.

Ways to support ongoing learning:

• Mentoring: Pairing less experienced workers with those who have more experience. This helps visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic learners alike.
• Supervision: Providing regular feedback sessions and the chance to discuss real cases.
• Access to resources: Online portals or libraries cater for those who like to read or watch learning materials.

Staff should be encouraged to reflect in their own way. This might mean keeping a written diary, taking part in debriefs, or demonstrating skills in practice.

Managing Group Dynamics and Inclusion

Health and social care teams are often diverse. Some may be strong speakers, while others are quiet but thrive with written work or practical demonstrations.

To support inclusion:

• Use ground rules that welcome all voices in discussion.
• Vary activities to play to different strengths.
• Split into smaller groups for activities—this allows quieter individuals to participate.
• Offer multiple formats for any assessments.

This approach means everyone feels valued and has a fair chance to learn.

Overcoming Common Barriers

Some trainers and learners may question if learning styles matter or see it as unnecessary. Others may feel self-conscious about their preferences.

Overcome these barriers by:

• Sharing the reasons for using learning styles.
• Making it normal and positive to have preferences.
• Giving staff choices in how they take in new information.
• Creating a supportive environment where mistakes are treated as part of learning.

Being flexible and patient helps build trust and confidence.

Supporting Learners with Additional Needs

Staff may have additional needs, such as dyslexia or English as a second language. Offering information in more than one format helps everyone learn and supports equality.

For example:

• Use clear, large print for written materials
• Offer spoken versions of key materials
• Use visual cues—such as pictures or colour coding
• Give plenty of chances for hands-on practice

Staff should feel comfortable to share what works for them, without feeling singled out.

Measuring the Impact

It’s useful to see how using learning styles benefits staff and the organisation.

Ways to measure impact include:

• Collecting feedback after training sessions
• Observing practice before and after training
• Asking staff to self-assess their confidence
• Monitoring incident rates or service user complaints
• Reviewing staff turnover and satisfaction surveys

Improved outcomes reflect better training and support.

Examples in Health and Social Care Training

Here are examples of how learning styles fit into everyday staff training:

Manual Handling

• Visual: Slide decks with diagrams showing correct technique
• Auditory: Instructor explains steps and answers questions
• Read/Write: Copies of policy guidelines for reference
• Kinaesthetic: Staff practise with mannequins or each other under supervision

Medication Management

• Visual: Flowcharts showing steps in administering medicine
• Auditory: Listening to stories about errors and what can be learned
• Read/Write: Worksheets on common drug interactions
• Kinaesthetic: Handling packaging, using mock medicines for simulated rounds

Infection Control

• Visual: Posters of handwashing steps displayed in staff areas
• Auditory: Group discussion about risks and best practice
• Read/Write: Leaflets and handouts on procedures
• Kinaesthetic: Practical handwashing demonstrations and use of UV lights to check technique

Top Tips for Trainers in Health and Social Care

• Mix up your training activities.
• Ask staff how they like to learn.
• Use real-life examples from the workplace.
• Give time for questions and discussion.
• Keep written information simple and clear.
• Use pictures, flowcharts and videos where possible.
• Provide practical sessions to apply knowledge.
• Encourage staff to keep a record of their learning.

These techniques turn learning from a duty into something meaningful and memorable.

Final Thoughts

Using learning styles brings fresh energy to health and social care training. Staff become more engaged, remember more, and apply their learning more confidently. Diverse activities support the whole team and create a culture of safety and improvement. By recognising and supporting different learning styles, the sector builds a workforce ready to meet the needs of people relying on their care each day.