CHARACTERISTICS OF VARK LEARNING STYLES AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Identifying students’ learning styles in medical education is crucial for designing effective curricula and teaching methods. The VARK model (Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, Kinesthetic) is widely used for characterizing learners’ preferences.

Objectives: To investigate the learning styles of medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (academic year 2020–2021) according to the VARK model and to examine relevant factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among 709 students from Year 1 to Year 6. Data were collected using the VARK questionnaire (version 8.01) and demographic variables, then analyzed using chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests.

Results: Of the participants, 48.1% reported a single learning style, with the Kinesthetic (K) style predominating (89.44%). The K style remained dominant in multimodal learning groups as well. Significant associations were found between learning styles and gender as well as place of residence, while no association was noted with academic performance or year of study.

Conclusion: Medical students exhibit diverse learning styles, with Kinesthetic preference being most prevalent.

Keywords: learning styles; VARK; medical students