Dilara Kamaldeen
Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Porur, Chennai

Abstract

• Understanding the concept of ‘learning styles’ has received special attention, more so recently with attempts to standardize medical educational technologies. Several studies have shown that focusing on student learning styles can enhance educational outcomes. Therefore instructors find it fruitful to match their teaching methods or styles to embrace multiple learning styles present in a given group of students. Some researchers feel that adult learners will be able to develop their own learning styles with the help of knowledge outlined by the instructor. Medicine with multiple domains of learning has automatically involved many teaching/learning styles since time immemorial. There have been several methods of classification of learning styles. Many methods include personality traits along with learning behavior. Learning styles now assume greater importance with globalization extending into medical schools resulting in increased student number and diversity. This review describes the various methods available to measure learning styles and the principles behindthe same.
• Keywords: classification, learning styles, students, teaching styles