Preferred learning style between Iranian and international medical students: A comparative study

Abstract

Context: Learning styles as student preferences for acquiring and nurturing knowledge are different by considering their individual and social factors. Socio-cultural factors and the educational structure of different countries are some of the factors affecting this field. Aims: The present study aimed to compare the learning style of Iranian and international medical students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Settings and Design: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the medical students studying in the basic sciences course of Tehran University of Medical Sciences during 2018-2019. Methods and Material: Complete enumeration was used for sampling and data were collected by using VARK standard questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS 21. Results: Among 225 students participating in the present study 46.4 and 53.5% of the participants were Iranian and international students, respectively. Based on comparing the mean score of four learning styles among Iranian and international medical students, two kinesthetic (p <0.05) and aural (p <0.05) styles were significantly different. The results of the present study represented the preference of bi-model learning style among Iranian and international students (87%) compared to that of tri- and quad-model ones. Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, the learning style of both groups was bi-model although a difference was observed between Iranian and international students regarding uni-model style. Thus, different active education methods should be used to improve the academic performance of students in order to utilize all the senses for learning