RESUMO
Objectives: To investigate correlation of learning styles and instructional strategies in fulfilling learning needs of students
Study Design: A Descriptive Cross sectional Study
Place and Duration: At faculty of Medicine, University Tabuk, KSA from 13[th] September 2013 to 2[nd] April 2014
Methodology: A total of 140 Phase II students' of 2[nd] and 3[rd] year medical program were enrolled. Students' learning styles were identified by using Kolb learning style Inventory version 3.1 and any gender based variation was investigated. Teaching strategies offered to year 2 and 3 were summated respectively to have frequency distribution. Gap analysis was done between students' learning styles and the instructional strategies currently practiced in Phase II medical program
Results: The learning style frequency distribution showed divergents as 36 %, followed by assimilators 30%, accomodators 24% and convergents 8%. For teaching strategies lectures take up 61% and 59% of curriculum time for 2[nd] and 3[rd] year respectively. Problem based learning is not offered for 2[nd] year and only 3% for 3[rd] year in the curriculum .The other teaching strategies are falling in between lectures and PBL. In terms of students learning needs a substantial gap was found between learning styles' and the teaching strategies offered
Conclusion: It is the need in time to bring reform in teaching strategies with a student centered approach in the light of new trends worldwide. This would embrace our students to learn how to learn and be self directed life long learners