Original Research Paper
Perception of the learning strategies and the learning styles among first year medical students: a cross sectional survey
Authors:
Vipula Rasanga Bataduwaarachchi ,
University of Colombo, Kynsey Rd., No. 271, Colombo 8, LK
About Vipula Rasanga
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine
Muditha Madhuwanthi Dissanayake,
Abstract
Objectives: This paper investigates the perceptions of the current teaching strategies among first year medical students. It further assessed the predominant learning style preferences using the VARK (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing and Kinesthetic) questionnaire and the gender differences for learning style preferences.
Methods: This study was conducted among the first year medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (n=192) and descriptive cross sectional design was adopted. Data was collected using a self-administered multiple choice questionnaire. Frequencies were calculated followed by cross-tabulations to generate descriptive statistics and analyzed with Chi Square distribution test.
Results: Majority of the students found lectures and small group activities as useful learning experiences most of the time; 60.4% and 47.4% respectively. The multimodal preference was commoner, 59.8% (n=115) than the unimodal preference, 40.2% (n=77). Among the unimodal learners, the majority preferred aural modality, 55.8% (n=43). Bimodal preference was the most common among multimodal learners, 31.2% (N=60). Learning styles did not significantly differ between male and female students (p=0.115, n=192).
Conclusions: To facilitate multimodal learning, combination of teaching techniques should be employed. Active learning should be further encouraged using a variety of learning tools such as video clips, computer simulations and interactive models.
How to Cite:
Bataduwaarachchi, V.R., Dissanayake, M.M., Thillainathan, S. and Jayasekara, R.W., 2013. Perception of the learning strategies and the learning styles among first year medical students: a cross sectional survey. South-East Asian Journal of Medical Education, 7(1), pp.14–21. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/seajme.v7i1.145
Published on
30 Jun 2013.
Peer Reviewed
Downloads
