Whenever I’m about to start a new unit — whether it’s infection control, ethics, or death and dying — I love to begin a certain way:
I look at the class, smile, and say, “Let me tell you a story…”
Instantly, the energy in the room shifts.
Conversations fade.
Pens stop tapping.
Even the students who were half-checking their smart watches look up.
They know something’s coming.
I might tell the story of the time I was a brand-new CNA and a patient suddenly became unresponsive during breakfast.
I describe the sound of the spoon clattering against the tray, the nurse’s calm voice giving directions, and my own heart pounding as I yelled for help.
The room gets quiet. You can almost feel the students holding their breath.
When the story ends, I ask, “So, what do you think this unit might be about?”
Someone will whisper, “Emergency procedures?”
Another adds, “Vital signs?”
And just like that — they’re in.
What’s beautiful about this little ritual is that it doesn’t just grab everyone’s attention — it especially lights up our auditory learners.
These are the students who absorb information best through sound, rhythm, and tone.
They remember how you said it, not just what you said.
For them, that opening story isn’t just interesting — it’s a roadmap.
They can hear the lesson unfolding before you’ve even written a word on the board.
What Makes Auditory Learners Tick
Auditory learners learn best through sound — talking, listening, and even repeating information out loud.
They process information through their ears more than their eyes or hands.
They might struggle to stay focused when reading silently, but light up when they can hear an explanation, discuss a topic, or tell a story.
You’ll spot them right away. They’re the ones who say things like:
- “Can you explain that one more time?”
- “It helps when I hear it out loud.”
- “Oh, I remember you saying that yesterday!”
These students shine during discussions and skill check-offs where they can verbally walk through what they’re doing.
They often remember tone, rhythm, and even the exact words you used when teaching.
Auditory Learner Strengths (and a Few Challenges)
Auditory Learner Strengths
- They remember verbal instructions easily.
- They’re great at talking through steps or reasoning things out.
- They enjoy class discussions, debates, and group work. They are your “talkers”
They often build strong connections with the emotions or tone of a story.
Challenges of Auditory Learners
Their challenges:
- Quiet reading or written-only tasks can feel slow and disconnected. It’s a struggle
- They do not connect if visuals are used without explanation.
- They sometimes need help staying engaged during long, lectures.
***Pro tip: I always chunk my lectures into 10 min pieces and I NEVER call them lectures. They are “disussions”.
About One-Third of Our Students Learn This Way
If you’ve got 25 students in your CNA or Health Science class, probably around 8 of them learn best through sound.
That’s a big chunk of your classroom!
And honestly, in healthcare — where communication and listening are key — that’s not surprising.
We teach through our words and care through our words, too.
Five Real-World Teaching Techniques for Auditory Learners
Here are five simple ways to reach your auditory learners in the classroom and lab — tied to units you’re already teaching.
1.Ethical & Legal: “Storytime with a Purpose”
Start the unit with a story.
Sit down with a clipboard or prop book and say, “The following story is based on true events…”
Then describe a situation involving confidentiality, abuse reporting, or informed consent.
Hearing those words paints a vivid picture of ethical decision-making — and it sticks with them when the test rolls around.
2. Infection Control: “Talk It Out” Demonstrations
As you demonstrate handwashing or donning PPE, talk through every step out loud.
Say things like: “Now I’m turning off the faucet with a paper towel to prevent recontamination.”
Encourage students to do the same as they practice — saying each step as they perform it.
When everyone’s talking through the process, you’ll see the retention skyrocket.
3. Vital Signs: “Repeat After Me” Practice
When teaching pulse, respiration, or blood pressure, have students pair up.
One calls out the step (“Locate the brachial pulse, apply the cuff…”), while the other repeats and performs it.
Then they switch roles.
Finally, have the whole class say and do the steps together.
You’ll be amazed how this chant-style repetition sticks — and it hits all three learning styles (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic).
4. Body Systems: “Verbal Walkthroughs”
When covering the digestive or cardiovascular system, try using guided verbal walkthroughs.
Say: “Let’s follow that cheeseburger through the body!”
Then verbally trace the journey from mouth to stomach to intestines, using vivid language.
Students can even “pass” an imaginary cheeseburger around the room as they are assigned a role as a part of the digestive system.
5. Death & Dying: “The Power of Conversation”
This topic hits emotionally — and that’s exactly why auditory learners connect deeply here.
Invite open discussion about feelings, and professional boundaries.
Ask questions like: “How might you comfort a resident’s family?” or “What words would you use in that moment?”
Let students practice verbalizing empathy and professionalism.
The Big Takeaway
Auditory learners remind us that teaching isn’t just about showing or doing — it’s also about saying and hearing.
We can paint powerful pictures with our words.
We can help students hear the compassion behind each task.
And we can give them stories they’ll carry long after they earn their certification.
So next time you plan a lesson, think about adding a little “story time,” some verbal repetition, or even a chant.
Your auditory learners — and honestly, everyone else — will thank you for it.
Teaching auditory learners in CNA and Health Science programs is a special technique.
Share YOUR techniques in the comments below!
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