Relationship of Learning Styles and Attitudes Toward Problem-Based Learning with Academic Achievement in Preclinical Medical Students

Abstract

Background: A large number of factors affect the learning process. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the relationship of learning styles and attitudes towards problem-based learning with academic success in preclinical medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Medical Faculty of Ondokuz Mayıs University (Samsun, Turkey) during May 1st and 31st, 2019. First, second, and third-year students were included in the study. Survey was used as the data collection method. Grasha-Riechmann Learning Style Scale and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Attitude Scale were included in the survey form besides a socio-demographics form. Overall, 612 (72.3%) students participated in the study. Results: The highest mean value regarding the learning styles of the medical students was related to the independent learning style, and the lowest mean value was related to the competitive learning style. It was determined that the independent learning style was more dominant in the preclinical medical students; there was a correlation between learning style and the attitude towards PBL. Also, there was a correlation between learning style and attitudes towards PBL and academic success. Independent and avoidant learning styles and attitudes towards PBL were found to be critical variables in predicting academic performance according to multiple regression analysis. Conclusions: It is important to raise awareness in educators and students on learning styles.