Methods of Learning

I was explaining electrocardiograms to someone a few days ago and I was struck by how my method of understanding them was completely different from hers. I can read a couple paragraphs on how to read them and then look at an EKG and apply the text description to do a reasonably competent job. Other people need someone to personally escort them through a few EKGs to understand the concept. There's nothing wrong with this, some people pick things up best by reading about them, others through performing the action, others through illustrations/diagrams. I just find it interesting.

For me personally the method of learning that works best depends on the situation. Any type of skill that involves physically doing things, such as removing peripheral IVs, inserting a urinary catheter, or injecting medications, I need to physically do the act to learn them properly. Reading a description won't do much for me, unless the description is accompanied by a large number of illustrations. For instance, when I needed to learn how to disassemble my semiautomatic pistol, I was able to follow the directions in the manual to take it apart. However, I had to go to youtube to see how to reassemble it because the directions didn't show how far back I had to rack the slide and I couldn't figure it out. Presumably this is because I need some muscle memory developed to achieve success with performing a physical task.

On the other hand, I have a really good ability to remember random facts from what I read. I am usually able to give the correct answer to any question about the information in a text, even if it was only in a footnote. When some of the nurses asked me about the precautions associated with certain procedures and medications where I was working this summer, I recalled all of them, even though I hadn't done anything with that information for months prior.

Then there is the information that I can only work with if I associate it with other things. For instance, to remember which side is the dorsal side I always have to think about dolphins or sharks and that the dorsal fin is located on the top of them. I don't use this method for all that many things, but I guess a lot of other people must because most textbooks, instructors, and Dr. House will try and use simple analogies to help people grasp complex ideas.

Perhaps this is a big reason behind why teaching something shows that you really get an idea. Most of the time you will not be teaching someone who uses the exact same methods of learning as you, so you may have to try a different learning method than you normally use in order for the student to understand the concept. I know I frequently end up drawing diagrams, something I NEVER do for myself to help people out.

How do you learn?