Learning styles of first-year orthopedic surgical residents at 1 accredited institution

This study represents 1 arm of a 5-year prospective study investigating the learning styles of orthopedic residents and their surgical educators.

This project investigates the learning styles of the 2009-2010 year 1 orthopedic surgical residents. A cross-sectional survey using the Kolb Learning Style Inventory was completed by 13 first year orthopedic residents. Direct 1-to-1 interviews were completed with the primary investigator and each participant using the Kolb Learning Style Inventory and learning styles were determined.

Converging learning style was the most common among the residents (53.8%). Residents demonstrated a high tendency toward the learning skill of abstract conceptualization combined with active experimentation, and a transition from action-oriented to more reflective learning style with age and postgraduate education.

These results may be useful in creating strategies specific to each learning style that will be offered to residents to enhance future teaching and learning.