Learning style under two web-based study conditions.

Abstract

A sample of 48 college students prepared for in-class examinations using two web-based study conditions. The A condition used web-based study groups and the B condition used web-based quizzes. The Index of Learning Styles positioned students on four dimensions of learning style (active-reflective, visual-verbal, sequential-global, and sensing-intuitive). Students who were more active than reflective expressed a preference for face-to-face study groups rather than online study groups and for online quizzes rather than pencil-and-paper quizzes. Students who were more visual than verbal expressed a preference for online quizzes rather than online study groups. Such preferences were validated by decreased achievement in the less-preferred study condition. At college level, students are aware of their learning style and understand the conditions that facilitate their mastery of course content. Instructional applications of web-based technology may provide mechanisms for more consistently accommodating student learning style in higher education.