Assessing learning styles of medical students using Kolb's learning style inventory and their association with preferred teaching methodologies.

Admin Admin,Admi Admi,Muhammad Zafar Iqbal Hydrie Muhammad Zafar Iqbal Hydrie,Syed Muhammad Zulfiqar Hyder Naqvi Syed Muhammad Zulfiqar Hyder Naqvi

doi:10.47391/jpma.1437

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https://doi.org/10.47391/jpma.1437

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Abstract

To determine the frequency of learning styles of medical students and their association with preferred teaching methodologies. The cross-sectional study was conducted at Baqai Medical College, Gadap, Karachi, form July to October 2019, and comprised medical students regardless of age, gender and academic year. David Kolb's learning style questionnaire, along with another questionnaire, was used to collect data. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 523 students, 213(40.7%) were males and 310(59.3%) were females. The overall mean age was 21.5±1.69 years. Of the total, 268(51.7%) students were divergers, 118(22.8%) assimilators, 86(16.6%) accomodators and 46(8.9%) were convergers. There was a significant association between learning styles and selected teaching methodologies (p<0.05). Majority students were found to be divergers and assimilators. Aligning instructional strategies with learning styles will improve learning and academic performance.

Highlights

The traditional teacher-centred learning (TCL) approach has gradually given way to student-centred learning (SCL) and the focus is on teaching methods that establish better communications between the students and the teacher.1
There was a significant association between learning styles and selected teaching methodologies (p
The overall mean age was 21.5±1.69 years. Both traditional and problem-based learning (PBL) methodologies were preferred by 187(35.8%) students, while

Summary

Introduction

1. being aware of one’s own learning style helps to understand one’s strengths and weaknesses and to develop instructional strategies which can be an expansion of both learning styles and preferred teaching methodologies. Since each individual learns in a distinctive way, one needs to identify the diverse means of gaining knowledge and information used by various people. Many variables, such as culture, personality type, educational specialisation, career choice or current job, may affect learning styles and teaching strategies[2]. In the given context, understanding the learning styles of the students is of utmost importance for better and effective teaching.

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