Comparison of learning styles of Nursing Students in Razi Nursing School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences - 2009

It is believed that any discrepancy between learning style of students and their field of study leads to their dissatisfaction and consequently dropping out of school. The aim of this study was to compare the learning styles of Nursing students in Kerman Razi Nursing School in 2009.

In this cross-sectional study performed in 2009, all undergraduate and postgraduate Nursing students of Razi Nursing School (n=148) were asked to complete Kolb learning style inventory (KLSI) Version 3.1. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

From all students, 87.8% were studying in undergraduate and 12.2% in master programs. Among undergraduate students assimilator learning style (48.5%) and among master students convergent learning styles (44.4%) had the highest frequencies. There was a statistically significant difference between learning styles of undergraduate and master students (P=0.028).

Since, nursing is an occupation requiring interaction and communication with people, attention of nursing teachers to the learning styles of their students is very essential for promotion of community health. It is suggested that nursing teachers use a variety of teaching methods based on students’ educational level and preferred learning style.