Choice of Learning Styles among Tertiary Students in the Tamale Metropolis

Abstract

The study sought to examine the nature of students learning style in Ghanaian universities. Descriptive-interpretive survey was used for the study. In all a sample of 84 was randomly selected from a population of 252. The instrument used for data collection was a self-constructed Learning Styles questionnaire (SLSSI), which contained both closed and open-ended items. The instrument was adopted and modified to fit the Ghanaian context. Cronbach Alpha coefficient was instrumental in measuring the validity and reliability of the instrument. The statistical tools used in the analysis of the data were frequencies and the percentages. The qualitative data were grouped according to themes for their emergent patterns. Findings of the research suggest that students are both holistic and serial learners. Their learning patterns are mainly determined by teaching methodologies and conditions of learning. As such participants can be described as both deductive and inductive learners who need to gain insight into the bigger picture, global perspective of a phenomenon before narrowing to a specific concept. The study also reveals that the most frequently used sense organ among students is the visual references (Reading and graphic displays) 90.4% and verbal explanation of ideas as well as hand on task (practical). The article therefore recommends the universities in collaboration with national government must provide appropriate facilities and suitable learning environment as well as ensure regular in-service training on different learning styles and their implications for university lecturers.