Learning Styles of First-Semester Nursing Students at a Colombian Public University
Abstract
The study on the learning styles of first semester nursing students in a Colombian public university highlights the diversity of preferences in the way students assimilate knowledge. Identifying these styles is crucial to design more effective pedagogical strategies that promote meaningful learning, adjusting to the individual needs of students. Adapting teaching to these styles could improve both academic performance and the overall learning experience.
Objectives: To determine the predominant learning styles of first semester nursing students at the Universidad Popular del Cesar in Valledupar, Colombia, by applying the VARK questionnaire.
Methods: This quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study with 39 students offers a timely view of the observed characteristics, allowing to analyse and describe concrete data at a specific point in time. This approach is useful for identifying trends or patterns without involving changes over time or manipulation.
Results: The results showed that the predominant learning style was reading/writing (27.4%), followed by kinaesthetic (26.3%), visual (23.6%) and auditory (22.4%). This suggests that nursing students tend to learn best through reading and writing, although there is also a diversity of preferences towards hands-on, visual and auditory learning, reflecting the need to use varied teaching methods.
Conclusions: These findings suggest the importance of adapting teaching strategies to students' learning preferences in order to improve their academic performance and satisfaction. Longitudinal and comparative studies are recommended to assess the evolution of learning styles throughout nursing education and their relationship with cultural and educational variables.
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