A Systematic Review of Learning Style Framework Use in Health Sciences Education

Abstract

Objectives. To review the literature regarding the use of learning style frameworks in health science education, with particular attention to learning outcomes and use for self-awareness.

Findings. Of the 415 articles identified in the initial search, 31 articles involving learning style frameworks were included after screening titles, abstracts, and full texts. Multiple learning style frameworks, including VARK, Kolb Learning Style Inventory, Honey and Mumford Learning Style Questionnaire, and Pharmacist Inventory of Learning Styles, were used in various health science education disciplines, including medicine, nursing, and pharmacy. Most publications were descriptive in nature, reporting the learning styles of the given student cohort. Most studies that attempted to find a correlation between learning style and learning outcomes found none; if a correlation was found, it was weak or inconsistent with other published studies. No identified studies described use of learning style frameworks for increasing self-awareness in learners.

Summary. While a number of different learning style inventories have been used in health science education students, their utility for predicting learning outcomes appears to be weak. Using learning style inventories to improve learner self-awareness is an unexplored area of education and research.