TY - JOUR
T1 - Lack of interaction between sensing-intuitive learning styles and problem-first versus information-first instruction
T2 - A randomized crossover trial
AU - Cook, David A.
AU - Thompson, Warren G.
AU - Thomas, Kris G.
AU - Thomas, Matthew R.
PY - 2009/3
Y1 - 2009/3
N2 - Background: Adaptation to learning styles has been proposed to enhance learning. Objective: We hypothesized that learners with sensing learning style would perform better using a problem-first instructional method while intuitive learners would do better using an information-first method. Design: Randomized, controlled, crossover trial. Setting: Resident ambulatory clinics. Participants: 123 internal medicine residents. Interventions: Four Web-based modules in ambulatory internal medicine were developed in both "didactic" (information first, followed by patient problem and questions) and "problem" (case and questions first, followed by information) format. Measurements: Knowledge posttest, format preference, learning style (Index of Learning Styles). Results: Knowledge scores were similar between the didactic (mean ± standard error, 83.0 ± 0.8) and problem (82.3 ± 0.8) formats (p = .42; 95% confidence interval [CI] for difference, -2.3 to 0.9). There was no difference between formats in regression slopes of knowledge scores on sensing-intuitive scores (p = .63) or in analysis of knowledge scores by styles classification (sensing 82.5 ± 1.0, intermediate 83.7 ± 1.2, intuitive 81.0 ± 1.5; p = .37 for main effect, p = .59 for interaction with format). Format preference was neutral (3.2 ± 0.2 [1 strongly prefers didactic, 6 strongly prefers problem], p = .12), and there was no association between learning styles and preference (p = .44). Formats were similar in time to complete modules (43.7 ± 2.2 vs 43.2 ± 2.2 minutes, p = .72). Conclusions: Starting instruction with a problem (versus employing problems later on) may not improve learning outcomes. Sensing and intuitive learners perform similarly following problem-first and didactic-first instruction. Results may apply to other instructional media.
AB - Background: Adaptation to learning styles has been proposed to enhance learning. Objective: We hypothesized that learners with sensing learning style would perform better using a problem-first instructional method while intuitive learners would do better using an information-first method. Design: Randomized, controlled, crossover trial. Setting: Resident ambulatory clinics. Participants: 123 internal medicine residents. Interventions: Four Web-based modules in ambulatory internal medicine were developed in both "didactic" (information first, followed by patient problem and questions) and "problem" (case and questions first, followed by information) format. Measurements: Knowledge posttest, format preference, learning style (Index of Learning Styles). Results: Knowledge scores were similar between the didactic (mean ± standard error, 83.0 ± 0.8) and problem (82.3 ± 0.8) formats (p = .42; 95% confidence interval [CI] for difference, -2.3 to 0.9). There was no difference between formats in regression slopes of knowledge scores on sensing-intuitive scores (p = .63) or in analysis of knowledge scores by styles classification (sensing 82.5 ± 1.0, intermediate 83.7 ± 1.2, intuitive 81.0 ± 1.5; p = .37 for main effect, p = .59 for interaction with format). Format preference was neutral (3.2 ± 0.2 [1 strongly prefers didactic, 6 strongly prefers problem], p = .12), and there was no association between learning styles and preference (p = .44). Formats were similar in time to complete modules (43.7 ± 2.2 vs 43.2 ± 2.2 minutes, p = .72). Conclusions: Starting instruction with a problem (versus employing problems later on) may not improve learning outcomes. Sensing and intuitive learners perform similarly following problem-first and didactic-first instruction. Results may apply to other instructional media.
KW - Cognitive style
KW - Instructional method
KW - Internet
KW - Learning style
KW - Medical education
KW - Problem-based learning
KW - Web-based learning
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=60449085298&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=60449085298&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10459-007-9089-8
DO - 10.1007/s10459-007-9089-8
M3 - Article
C2 - 18038188
AN - SCOPUS:60449085298
SN - 1382-4996
VL - 14
SP - 79
EP - 90
JO - Advances in Health Sciences Education
JF - Advances in Health Sciences Education
IS - 1
ER -