Learning Styles and Academic Achievement of Distance e-Learning University Mathematics Students: A Case of a University in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This article reports on a study to determine whether there was a relationship between the learning styles and academic performance of university mathematics students learning through distance e-learning. 26 students studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Statistics at a university in Zimbabwe participated in the study. The study revealed a statistically significant relationship between the students’ learning styles and academic performance. The researcher recommended that the methods used in instructing distance learners should be designed and structured to accommodate all students despite their different learning styles. The learning content should be provided in multiple formats, allowing students to share and discuss concepts. The researcher also recommended an intentional mismatch between the mode of instruction and the students’ learning styles. The mismatch helps to make the students versatile. Online workshops and seminars on using e-learning methods were also recommended to equip the students with study skills that suit their learning styles