Evaluation of Learning Styles in the Field of Dentistry from Beginners to Advance Level

Abstract

Objective: This descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the learning style and the learning
outcome amongst students of different levels of study.

Materials and Methods: A known system; Visual, Aural, Read/write, and Kinesthetic (VARK) was used to
analyze the learning outcome of the 235 students, interns and faculty members from Hamdard University
Dental Hospital. This study was carried out on all levels of the students and faculty members, (a total of 235
members including Professors, Lecturers, Interns and students from all levels). A valid and known
questionnaire VARK was used to analyze the learning outcome amongst the subjects, and the results were
then analyzed statistically.

Results: During the initial years of the BDS, students learn more by listening, aided by reading and writing in
their second year, while Kinesthetic in their clinical year. Postgraduate students and lecturers depend more
upon their kinesthetics. Keeping in mind the interest of the senior faculty more in research, their learning
styles are more on reading and writing aided by kinesthetic and aural supports.

Conclusion: The learning styles vary from age to age amongst the same person, and students, as well as
teachers, must understand their art of learning and deliver better results.