When I first started my career as a Director of Nursing, I honestly thought I would retire in that role.
But over the years, I’ve discovered that I’m a true educator at heart — and I absolutely love it. Why? Because it challenges me to think outside the box and constantly evolve in the way I approach teaching.
I remember, when I was a Director of Nursing, I would get so frustrated when my staff didn’t remember the information I’d given them. I’d think,
“Why can’t they retain this? Why isn’t this sticking?” It wasn’t that they didn’t want to learn or that the information was difficult.
It was that they just weren’t connecting with it in the way they needed to.
That frustration pushed me to dive deeper into understanding learning barriers and learning styles.
Years ago, when I sat as a volunteer expert for the NCSBN for the LPN NCLEX, I noticed how different areas of instruction could impact a person’s ability to learn.
That experience opened my eyes to the reality that every learner is unique. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to finding new and creative ways to reach people, not just by addressing learning barriers, but also by adapting my approach to fit different learning styles.
I’ve realized that storytelling is a powerful tool in education. I use stories to make concepts come to life, and I’ve found that it keeps learners more engaged and connected with the material.
It’s not just about giving information — it’s about weaving that information into a narrative that resonates.
Another method I use is active learning. I’ve seen firsthand that keeping learners involved and engaged leads to better retention.
Whether it’s through role-playing, hands-on activities, or games, active learning allows people to experience the material in ways that stick with them. It's more effective than sitting passively and listening to a lecture, or just sitting at a computer screen.
I also focus on creating a welcoming environment. I’ve found that using things like color therapy helps keep people focused and engaged.
The right environment is key to making people feel comfortable and ready to learn.
Throughout my journey, I’ve created various tools to help educate, such as courses, eBooks, workbooks, flashcards, and now — my latest creation — crossword puzzles.
The goal is always the same: to make learning fun, interactive, and memorable.
Sitting and listening doesn’t foster great memory retention. Keeping learners involved and creating an environment where they can actively engage with the material produces far better results.
So, I want to ask you — what tactics do you use in your teaching? How do you reach learners with different learning styles and overcome barriers to learning?
Let’s share our strategies and continue building environments where education thrives.
Lead with Love ❤️
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