The Analysis of Learning Styles and Their Relationship to Academic Achievement in Medical Students of Basic Sciences Program
Journal Title: Research and Development in Medical Education - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 2
Abstract
Introduction: Learning style is an individual’s preferred method of encountering information in specific situations in order to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes through study or experience. Students and Planers’ awareness of learning styles facilitate the teaching process, increases satisfaction and makes the future choices easier. This study aimed to examine different learning styles and their relation to academic achievement in medical students of basic sciences program at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this descriptive – analytical study, the sample consisted of all medical students of basic sciences program at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2011-2012. The data was collected through a questionnaire which included respondents’ demographic information and overall grade point average (GPA) as well as Kolb standard questions on learning styles. Results: 4.3%, 47.8%, 44.9% and 2.9% of students preferred diverger, assimilator, converger and accommodator learning styles, respectively. Mean overall GPA of students who preferred diverger learning styles was 14.990.39±. Students who prefer assimilator, converger and accommodator learning styles had mean overall GPAs of 14.940.56±, 15.080.58± and 14.830.29± respectively. The findings showed no significant relationship between students’ learning academic achievement and their learning styles (p = 0.689). Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between Students’ academic achievement and their learning styles. Furthermore, the majorit of the students preferred accommodator and converger learning styles. Consequently, adopting interactive teaching methods, using tutorials, running simulation programs, launching laboratory activities and encouraging students to think and analyze problems and issues can be greatly effective in prolonging their learning lifecycle.
Authors and Affiliations
Reza Ghaffari, Fariba Salek Ranjbarzadeh, Eskandar Fathi Azar, Susan Hassanzadeh, Naser Safaei, Parisa Golanbar, Hossein Mazouchian, Elham Abbasi
Motivations to Choose Dentistry among Dental Students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2013
Introduction: One of the most important decisions in an individual’s life is to choose the field of study. Then, lots of money and time are spent in order to gain required skills and competencies of the job. According to...
Motivation in Learning English among the Paramedical Sciences Students in Iran: Finding a Job or Grabbing a Culture?
Introduction: The present article determines whether or not the undergraduate paramedical students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences of Iran are motivated to learn English; to which orientation of motivation, inte...
Comparing the Traditional and Combined Methods of Teaching Neuroantomy
Introduction: The sectional neuroanatomy due to its great importance in identifying the internal structure of the brain seems to be a necessary course of study to the residents of the neurosurgery, neurology and neurorad...
Pharmacy Students' Self-Identified Interests in a Hospital Pharmacy Internship Course in Iran
Introduction: After revision of pharmacy curriculum by, Iranian Health and Education Ministry reviewed in 2005, it was decided that pharmacy students need extra internship courses such as hospital internship course. Hosp...
Assessment of Interns' Knowledge on Diagnosis of Emergencies in Hemodialysed Patients before and after Training
Introduction: It is apparent that having a good inflammation in hemodialysis indications, methods of the procedure, recognition of the complications are common mistakes in emergency and internal medicine and they are lif...