Using multiple teaching techniques in a continuing education program

The use of Gregorc's mind mediation channel theories as a framework for continuing education planning has been successful and well received by participants on the basis of evaluation responses received over a 2-year period. This framework has been especially applicable in the setting described because participants form a heterogeneous audience drawn from registered nurses in various practice settings at many different institutions across the country. Integration of various techniques designed to meet the needs of participants with different mind mediation characteristics assures that participants will find at least one technique targeted to their learning needs. In a more homogeneous setting with a consistent audience for continuing education (for example, a critical care unit with monthly continuing educational offerings), the planner may want to consider asking participants (staff nurses) to complete the Gregorc Style Delineator so that educational experiences can be planned for congruency with participants' learning characteristics.