Learning styles of students enrolled in fashion classes: academic level, geographic region, and academic focus

Abstract

ABSTRACTLearning styles are important for instructors to comprehend so they understand how to enhance student learning. The purpose of this research was to examine learning styles among undergraduate students enrolled in fashion classes. The research questions were as follows. Among students enrolled in undergraduate fashion classes, how do VARK (visual, aural/auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic) scores vary by (a) region (Midwest, Northeast), (b) academic level (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior), and (c) major/minor or academic focus (apparel design major, fashion merchandising major, other major, and fashion minor)? The results demonstrated students enrolled in fashion classes preferred a kinesthetic learning style. Yet, a subset of these students preferred an aural/auditory learning style. These students were fashion minors as well as students in other majors, showing the academic focus was correlated with learning style. These findings can help instructors better meet the needs of students enrolled in fashion classes. For example, instructors could incorporate hands-on experiences for fashion major students and limit visual exercises for fashion minor students.