When it comes to learning styles in medical education, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, much like medicine itself. Discovering what type of learner you are—or the mixture of styles you like—may help you get the most out of your CME.
Traditional Types of Learners
When you think of the learning styles in education, you’ll likely imagine visual or hands-on learners. These are some of the more traditional learner types that mimic the education system. Conventional styles include:
Text-Based
Text-based learners are often those you might consider “bookworms.” They understand information better by reading documents, textbooks, or journal articles. Text-based learning is common throughout higher education.
One example of text-based learning may be studying a case and answering questions about it, almost like a test.
Auditory
Some people prefer to learn through listening. These students are best suited for lectures, though they may also enjoy:
- Discussions
- Reading aloud
- Role-playing exercises
- Podcasts
Auditory learners’ strong suits are listening and responding to the educator or peers. Participating in Q&A sessions can also help you thrive. These students may like to have recordings of texts or lectures for future review.
Visual
Many individuals identify as visual learners. They want demonstrations or video explanations as opposed to listening to a lecture. Visual learners respond well to cues they can see, such as:
- Presentations
- Handouts
- Diagrams
- Charts
- Videos
- Graphs
Understanding information, instructions, or data is easier for you when paired with visuals.
Kinesthetic
Kinesthetic learners receive a better education when they interact with the content. Others may refer to you as a “hands-on learner.” Practice exercises and simulations are beneficial approaches for kinesthetic learners.
You want to act on the information and explore the possibilities instead of being told about it.
New Types of Learning Styles
While the previous learning styles are the most well-known in continuing education, new methods are emerging. As a Journal of Education and Health Promotion study suggests, many students learn better using a multimodal approach.
Active and game-based learning are two such ideas worth exploring for CME. Explore how each type works:
Active Learning
Active learning is like kinesthetic, though it combines the traits of many styles. These learners hear and apply the information they learn through discussions and engagement.
Plus, there is evidence to suggest active learning can help medical professionals develop skills like:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Knowledge retention
- Critical thinking
- Improved attitudes
Going back to “multimodal learning,” active education helps you build on the information you learn by using it in another context.
Game-Based Learning
Game-based learning is a growing trend in many industries, including CME. Worthwhile games must provide value to the learner, including engagement and knowledge development. These activities can include:
- Simulations
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Interactive quizzes
- Digital games
- Board or card games
- Game tactics for real-world problems or scenarios
Game-based learning offers an interactive experience, which can help improve content engagement.
How These Apply to CME
CME delivery can occur in various ways that cater to different learning styles and preferences. Some popular CME methods and their corresponding learning types include:
- Medical journals: Text-based learning
- Point of care practice: Active learning
- Group discussions: Auditory and active learning
- Simulations: Kinesthetic and active or game-based learning
- Demonstrations: Visual learning
- Role play: Auditory, kinesthetic, and active learning
- Lectures: Auditory learning
- Enduring materials: Text-based, auditory, visual, game-based, or active learning
Think of your learning preferences, from text to games, when choosing continuing medical education (CME). Many people enjoy a mixture of learning styles instead of a singular option.
American Medical Seminars offers in-person, online, and on-demand CME events, making it easy to stay updated on the latest knowledge in whatever way suits you best.