Learning styles of undergraduate medical students – A cross sectional study using VARK questionnaire

Abstract

Learning is an individual's way of perceiving, processing and retaining new information. VARK (Visual, Aural, Reading/writing and Kinesthetic) is a tool for assessing learning style. VARK study helps in assessing learning preference of students and guide teachers to modify their teaching approach to enrich the domains of learning namely knowledge, skill, attitude and communication according to AETCOM, thus aiding implementation. To find out preferred learning style in the study population and to ascertain genderwise variation of preference. A cross-sectional prospective study in Department of Forensic & State Medicine, Medical College Kolkata was performed on 4th semester students over two months. All the students present in demonstration classes during data collection and gave their consent to take part in study were included. A pretested and validated VARK questionnaire (version 3) containing 13 questions were distributed among undergraduates. Data collected were evaluated according to proposed evaluation guideline dividing into 4 predominant groups namely 'V', 'A', 'R', 'K'. Total 192 students, (Male=116, Female=76), response rate 73%, aged between 19-25 years participated, among which females were 'R” and males 'K' predominant. Batch wise preference analysis showed on Monday and Friday batch was 'A' and other batches were 'K'. Kinesthetic was the most one all over, reading/writing being the second, auditory third and visual the fourth. Bimodal and trimodal responses were also found in few and 'RK' was most common. This study for implementation of competency based medical education (AETCOM) is first of its kind which is helpful to start new MBBS curriculum in a more effective approach.