29A-12 |
Identifying the learning style preferences of beginning Food Science and Human Nutrition majors |
D. M. BOHN and S. J. Schmidt. Dept. of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Univ. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 905 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801-3896 Learning styles vary among individuals, and understanding which instructional tools appeal to specific learning styles is advantageous to the instructor. Gregorc identified four learning styles -- concrete sequential (CS), concrete random (CR), abstract sequential (AS), and abstract random (AR). CS learners think in ordered sequences that are organized and without distraction. CR learners enjoy practicing and applying new concepts. AS learners appreciate theoretical situations. AR learners prefer using their emotions and intuition. A wide variety of traditional and innovative instructional tools are utilized in the introductory Food Science and Human Nutrition course, FSHN 101, taught in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in an effort to facilitate the learning of all students. Students enrolled in FSHN 101 during this study were beginning Food Science and Human Nutrition majors only. Students were asked to complete the Gregorc Learning Style Delineator to identify their dominant learning style. Distribution of learning styles was 51% CS, 17% CR, 7% AS, and 25% AR. In addition, students were asked to complete a survey that asked them to identify which instructional tools utilized in FSHN 101 enhanced their learning and which did not. All students, regardless of learning style, preferred the outline lecture notes, lecture study guide questions, example exam questions, lecture, and the interactive course WebCT site. CS learners also preferred demonstrations and review sessions, and CR learners favored one-on-one instruction during office hours. Instruction during office hours appealed to AS learners, as did in-class microthemes. These three learning styles did not find the audio lecture summaries to be useful. AR learners preferred the quick-time videos, yet, they found office hour instruction to be the least beneficial tool. Overall, results showed that all four learning styles were satisfied with the instructional tools offered in FSHN 101.
Session 29A, Education: General
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