Learning strategies used by dental students and dentists using the ark questionnaire.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the preferred learning styles of Dental students and Dentists among various dental colleges using the VARK questionnaire. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Various Dental Colleges in Karachi & Rawalpindi using the VARK questionnaire. Period: From June 2018 to February 2019. Material & Methods: Students, house-officers and demonstrators of dental medical college and hospital were asked to fill the VARK questionnaire which consists of 16 items. Four modes of learning either uni modal, bimodal or trimodal could be identified. The four modes include: visual, aural, reading, kinesthic. Results: Kinesthetic mode of learning was used by 24.5% individuals. Aural mode of learning was used by 25.3% individuals. Visual mode of learning was used by 15.5% individuals. Learning by reading was used by 17.7% individuals. Learning by using all modes was used by 1.5% individuals. Conclusion: Identifying the effective modes of learning is the first step towards changing the teaching strategy. Training in medicine and dentistry require innovative teaching ideas incorporating all modes for efficient learning of doctors.