Variation In Learning Styles In A Large Class As Influenced By Gender And Academic Discipline
- Resource Type
- research-article
- Authors
- Young, Allen J.; Bedker, Patty
- Source
- NACTA Journal, 1997 Sep 01. 41(3), 28-33.
- Subject
- Learning styles
Teachers
Class size
College instruction
Educational strategies
College students
Academic learning
Personality inventories
Universities
Teaching methods
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 01494910
The logistics of teaching large courses dictate that they are primarily taught by the lecture method. Knowledge of student learning styles can help in implementing different teaching strategies. Students in a large general education course (n=524) were asked to complete the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator instrument. The primary learning preference for the course (ENFP) was not compatible to learning by the lecture method. Gender differences exist; females strongly preferred the feeling dimension, while males preferred the thinking. A knowledge of personal and student learning style preferences can help in choosing appropriate teaching strategies and identify potential student problems.