Learning styles and learning preferences of first and fourth semester baccalaureate degree nursing students

Learning styles and preferred learning approaches are believed to have an influence on student learning. This study compared the learning styles and learning preferences of first and fourth semester baccalaureate nursing students, as well as explored changes in learning styles and learning preferences from first to fourth semester. The two predominant learning styles of both groups of students were Abstract Random and Concrete Sequential. According to Gregorc, (1982a), these learning styles are on the opposite poles in relation to perceiving and ordering information. No significant changes were found in learning style scores from first to fourth semester. Students indicated a range of preferences for 12 learning methods. Mean scores on three methods (slide/filmstrip, short lecture with question and answer, television/movies) dropped significantly from first to fourth semester. Implications for nursing education are discussed.