PREFERRED LEARNING STYLES AND STRATEGIES AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY USING THE VISUAL, AUDITORY, AND KINESTHETIC (VAK) MODEL

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the preferred learning styles and strategies among medical students. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using random sampling. The research took place at the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences (QIMS), from February 2023 to August 2023. A total of 254 medical students participated, including 122 males and 132 females. Demographic data and learning style preferences were assessed using the VAK (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic) learning style model. Students also ranked learning strategies such as lectures, tutorials, demonstrations, and practical’s based on their preference. The questionnaire, in English, was administered to large groups in two sittings. The distribution of learning styles was as follows: visual (36%), auditory (24%), and kinesthetic (40%). Among the students, 69% preferred multimodal learning (VAK), with 41% using trimodal, 20% bimodal, and 39% unimodal approaches. Practical sessions were the most preferred learning strategy (42%), while tutorials were the least preferred  (15%). A significant gender difference was observed, with females favoring auditory modalities and males preferring kinesthetic modalities (p-value < 0.05). Male students predominantly preferred kinesthetic and visual learning styles, while females leaned towards auditory and kinesthetic modalities. Most students exhibited a multimodal learning preference. Recognizing and addressing learning style preferences in educational institutions can enhance students’ learning experiences and outcomes, facilitating better academic performance.