How Is the Learning Style of Medical Students Changing?

As the world of medicine is continuing to advance, so is medical education and training. Over the last few decades, research has revealed that medical schools (lectures, studying, and clinical rotations) are beginning to include academic programs that involve more creative approaches to learning. Most of these programs include hands-on electives, targeting newer technologies and databases. Moreover, educational research has shown that passive learners rarely do well in medical school, while active learners who use strategic approaches learn and work best. Progress has been made to move away from traditional classroom lectures towards more activity-based strategies.

Medical students are expected to understand and apply a great amount of knowledge and skills during their training in medical school. This being said, their learning styles and approaches to study can greatly impact their academic success. Learning style refers to the way in which each student absorbs, processes, and understands new information. During the undergraduate years, medical students learn to become flexible to learning by gathering and organizing information from different sources. As they begin to progress throughout the years, active learning becomes a significant part in acquiring professional competencies.

In medical school, each student has a varied learning style and approach to studying that they find most helpful. While some prefer to write or read text to learn better, others find that listening helps them to better remember the information. To date, over 70 different types of models have been documented; however, in the medical field, the one most commonly used is Fleming’s model. According to Fleming’s model, the four main learning styles include the following:

Visual learning

Visual learners learn with their eyes. They prefer to look at images and watch videos for visual understanding. Visual learners comprehend by seeing as opposed to reading or writing.

Auditory learning

Auditory learners learn with their ears. They prefer to listen to verbal lectures and discussions. Since hearing and speaking are correlated, auditory learners process new information by repeating or rephrasing what is spoken. They also use background music to speed up the learning process as it helps to put them in a relaxed state so that they can more easily absorb information.

Kinesthetic learning

Kinesthetic learners learn with their hands and body. They prefer a more “hands on” experience through the sense of touch. Kinesthetic learners require active learning exercises by doing as opposed to talking.

Verbal learning

Verbal learners learn with their eyes, ears, hands, and mind. They prefer the use of online forums, email, and lectures. Verbal learners learn best by reading and writing. Although verbal learning is closely related to auditory learning, verbal learners are more interested in the words that are spoken.

Another model, known the Felder-Silverman model, is also commonly used in medical education. It is based on four learning styles:

• Active-reflective: This style illustrates how students prefer to process information;
• Sensing-intuitive: This style illustrates how students prefer to perceive information;
• Visual-verbal: This style illustrates how students prefer information to be presented;
• Sequential-global: This style illustrates how students prefer to progress towards comprehending information;

All of these instruments can help to enhance medical students’ self-knowledge, but the fact remains that information in medical school will come at them quickly and in several different forms. In order to be successful in their studies, medical students need to find the best way to process the information coming their way. However, even if one student feels that they are a more visual learner, they still need to be able to study the material through reading. That is, they need to be able to retain the information as it is and not always as they would like it to be.

Today, the average age of medical students is 24, with a considerably large percentage of students applying even after this age. Medical schools are starting to appreciate mature applicants who have taken the time to learn from their mistakes and are willing to prepare a more competitive application. Throughout medical school, due to the nature and quantity of information that accumulates, medical students acquire theoretical knowledge. They learn practical and communication skills, as well as therapeutic techniques for patients. During this time, they require the skills and abilities to be able to socially relate to others because their future responsibilities will entail treating patients, not diseases. Due to the fact that health-related information is so extensive, it is only natural that medical students facilitate access to information in accordance with the learning style that best suits their abilities. Knowing one’s personal learning style in medical school is of great importance when it comes to selecting courses and working on internships.

In a recent study, 230 medical students were questioned about their preferred learning style. 73% revealed that they prefer one learning style, 22% revealed that they prefer a mix of two learning styles, and 5% revealed that they prefer three learning styles (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic). Of the 73% of students: 45% were visual learners, 36% were auditory learners, and 19% were kinesthetic. Researchers strived to demonstrate that how medical students learn is different from the general population – with the general population being more visual and less auditory. The data revealed that a main difference could be due to the special nature of particular subjects, such a pedagogy and psychology. The students who preferred a mix of two learning styles showed that they can adapt better to such subjects. Finally, the students who preferred three learning styles showed that the learning styles of a particular individual can change in large or small ways in order to adapt to the teaching style and requirements.

During the study, most students noted that it is easier for them to be exposed to materials such as diagrams and powerpoint presentations when it comes to learning subjects such as anatomy, morphology, general surgery, etc. At the same time, other students revealed that while visual presentations should not be omitted, tonal fluctuations are just as important. The one thing that all students agreed on was the fact that a well-designed course that combines both visual and auditory teaching styles is the perfect balance. Researchers also aimed to reveal why the way in which educators teach is significant to how students learn. Medical students depend on an educator’s guidance because the way in which an educator transmits information is relevant to how students process the information and pass it on. Therefore, medical information that is structured by means of both visual and auditory channels is the most effective way to attract and keep the attention of all types of students.

The fact is, there is no right mix or fixed learning style – not even in the best medical school. By recognizing and understanding one’s personal learning style, techniques can be used to improve the quality and promptness of learning. Training is also another important aspect in practice. Practical training helps to prepare medical students for taking on roles as physicians. Therefore, both theoretical and practical assessments are required in order to ensure their academic success. Moreover, by gaining more hands-on experiences, medical students can learn how to better connect with patients and offer them the best care available.

Someday, medical students will be expected to shape diagnosis and treatment plans for patients based on their individual needs and hopefully, their choice of medical school will help them rise to the occasion. By encouraging medical students to pursue different approaches to learning, medical schools will allow students to shape their education and learn ways that fit them best. Not only will students be academically prepared, they will also enter the world of medicine with great knowledge in problem-solving, creative thinking, teamwork, and work ethic. Every medical student’s ultimate goal is to become a qualified physician who uses unique and creative approaches in their line of work, shaped by their strengths. Medical education has the same ultimate goal.