Do Different Learning Style Inventories Report Similar Findings Among Pilots?

Abstract

This study investigated the gender and generational learning preferences of pilots and non-pilots and the gender and generational differences among the pilots surveyed. The Felder and Soloman Index of Learning Styles questionnaire measured individual learning styles on four continuums: Active-Reflective, Sensing-Intuitive, Visual-Verbal, and Sequential-Global. Survey data indicate a statistically significant difference in learning styles of non-pilots and pilots, males and females, and different generations of pilots. Among all participants, pilots scored higher than non-pilots on the Sensing and Visual scales, and males scored higher on the Visual aspect of that scale. Generation variation occurred between Generation X and Y, where Generation Y favored the Sensing learning style more than Generation X. Among pilots, males scored higher than females on the Visual preference, and Generation Y and Z preferred the Sensing learning style. Generation Z favored the Sequential learning style more than Generation X. Curriculum design, instructional methodologies, and technologies selected to deliver course content should focus on active, sensing, visual, and sequential learning styles while balancing the other styles in the design to produce learners who can thrive in any educational setting.