Preferred Learning Style and Study Characteristics among Undergraduate Clinical Medical Students: A Study in National Defense University of Malaysia

Purpose: Learning clinical science depends on the learning style and characteristics of the student as well as the learning environment and teaching characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine the preferred methods of learning style and study characteristics of undergraduate senior clinical medical students.

Methods: This study was conducted among 89 medical students of 4th and 5th year of the Faculty of Medicine and Defense Health, National Defense University of Malaysia, from 1st November 2019 to 31st July 2020. Each of the students was given a structured questionnaire for their responses to determine their preferred learning style and study characteristics.

Results: The mean age of the students was 23.5 years (range 23-27 years). A combination of various methods of learning style that included reading/writing, hearing, seeing (observing), and practicing of skills was used in 69.7% of students. Preference of learning from making and reviewing notes of class teachings was 98.9%; e-learning 53.9%; memorizing key features 71.9%; and silent study 94.3% of students. Learning by a discussion with fellow students was preferred by 65.2% and interactions in the class were preferred by 56.2% of students. Observing skill demonstration by a teacher was preferred by 77.5% of students. Learning of a clinical skill by practicing on a real patient was preferred by 94.4% of students.

Conclusion: A combination of various learning styles is preferred by the majority of students for their learning. The students prefer to take and review class notes, study silently, use e-learning uploaded materials, interact in the class and learn a clinical skill by practicing on a real patient rather than simulated patients or mannequins. The preference of the student learning style and their choice should be taken into account for constructing teaching methods to achieve a better academic outcome.