Learning styles of nursing and allied health students in Semnan university of medical sciences

Several factors as learning styles can influence the learning process. The aim of this study was to determine learning styles, which are used by nursing and allied health students in Semnan University of Medical Sciences. This cross-sectional study was performed on 199 nursing and allied health students of Semnan university of medical sciences (2007, Iran). Students were selected using a simple sampling method. The assessment instrument was the last version of Kolb learning style inventory (KLSI V.3.1). Generally, the learning styles of students were divergent (% 27.1), accommodations (% 26.6), convergent (%23.6), and assimilation (%22.6). The preferred learning style in nursing students was convergent (%31.9), and in allied health students was divergent (%36.1). There was a significant relationship between the type of learning styles with academic courses (P=0.006) married status (P=0.004) and average score (P=0.031), but there was no correlation between the type of learning styles and gender. Considering the predominance of convergent and divergent learning styles in these students, the usage of some educational methods such as problem -based learning, group discussions, brain storming, role playing, computerized simulation and demonstration are recommended in theoretical, clinical and skill laboratory fields, so that; the students in the new and objective situations can apply their visualization for more earning knowledge and professional skills.