Andrew Frankel1. 1. Brierley Court, Manchester, for Care UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In a climate where nurses' roles are expanding, underpinning knowledge is increasingly important. AIM: To explore staff preferences for learning and highlight the importance of recognising individual learning styles. METHOD: A questionnaire was carried out with 61 nurses in an independent health and social care provider, achieving a response rate of 100%. RESULTS: Staff mainly prefer visual or kinaesthetic learning. This indicates the current training programme is not meeting their needs. DISCUSSION: The learning environment is recognised as having an impact in either encouraging or impeding a positive learning experience. A range of learning theories, concepts and approaches can be used to build and manage effective learning environments. CONCLUSION: Staff often prefer a visual learning style. Increased emphasis should be given to work-based learning rather than classroom-based teaching methods.
BACKGROUND: In a climate where nurses' roles are expanding, underpinning knowledge is increasingly important. AIM: To explore staff preferences for learning and highlight the importance of recognising individual learning styles. METHOD: A questionnaire was carried out with 61 nurses in an independent health and social care provider, achieving a response rate of 100%. RESULTS: Staff mainly prefer visual or kinaesthetic learning. This indicates the current training programme is not meeting their needs. DISCUSSION: The learning environment is recognised as having an impact in either encouraging or impeding a positive learning experience. A range of learning theories, concepts and approaches can be used to build and manage effective learning environments. CONCLUSION: Staff often prefer a visual learning style. Increased emphasis should be given to work-based learning rather than classroom-based teaching methods.