A survey on preferred learning styles among undergraduates during the ODL mode

Abstract

An investigation of learning styles is important in ensuring effective learning to take place. In relation to this, effective instructional learning methods can be identified by exploring students’ preferred learning styles. The objective of this study is to investigate the preferred learning styles among undergraduates in Malaysia during the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. This study investigates the differences in learning styles among undergraduates from various faculties. A number of 452 undergraduates participated in this study. Whereby the data were collected using the Barbe VAK model. The data were analysed using the mean scores based on three VAK learning categories; visual learning, auditory learning, and kinaesthetic learning. The analysis results showed that the most preferred learning style among the Science and Technology undergraduates was the visual learning style. The results of this study will benefits educators, especially for content preparation that fits best with the preferred learning styles.