Investigation of learning style patterns: A case study of basic sciences medical students at Tabriz university of medical sciences

Abstract

Background & Objective: A learning style refers to an individual's own approach to perceiving, processing, and retaining novel information. Modifying instructional approaches to align with students' individual learning preferences enhances their learning. The current study was carried out to investigate the learning style preferences of students studying basic medical sciences at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 23, 2022, to February 10, 2023, on 230 students who were selected by the available sampling method. The data collection tool was a two-part questionnaire including demographic factors and the Kolb Learning Styles Scale (version 3.1). Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and one-way analysis of variance using SPSS-24. Results: The students had an average age of 20.35 ± 1.85 years, with 53.9% men and 46.1% females. Dominant learning styles comprised 37.4% assimilating and 33.9% converging, comprising 71.3% of participants. Diverging and accommodating accounted for 21.7% and 7%, respectively, of the remaining subjects. No statistically significant difference was identified between dominant learning styles and demographic characteristics (p < 0.05). Conclusion: People with a preference for assimilating and converging learning styles show less interest in subjects that require communication with others. Therefore, it is necessary to improve students' interpersonal skills by using various educational strategies.