Comparing learning styles among students of Para medicine and Health faculties in Golestan University of medical sciences

Background and Objectives: The validity of an educational system is dependent on students' learning. Learning is a complex variable which is affected by multiple factors. One of the most important factors is learning styles. Knowledge of learning styles of students to educational programs is very important. Therefore, this study aimed to determine students' learning styles among students of Para medicine and Health faculties in Golestan University of medical sciences. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, ۴۰۱ students of the faculty of Para medicine and Health in Golestan University of Medical Sciences since ۱۳۹۱ till ۱۳۹۲ were selected and filled out the Standard Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI) which was previously tested for reliability (۸.۰). Data was analyzed with SPSS version ۱۸.۰ using Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Results: The mean age of students was ۲۰.۵۷ and ۷۱.۸ percent of them were female students. Learning styles of students included a convergent (۶۳.۴ %), absorber (۲۵.۴ %), accommodating (۷.۵%) and divergent (۳.۷ %). Learning style of study had no statistically significant difference in comparison to sex, school, age, GPA, credits, semester and education levels (P>۰.۰۵). Conclusion: Converging and absorbing learning styles were more dominant among students. Therefore, it is recommended to use training methods which fit this style such as showing hand-writings and presentations with self-study materials, simulations, laboratory assignments and problem-based learning.