The preferred learning styles of neurosurgeons, neurosurgery residents, and neurology residents: Implications in the neurosurgical field

Hung Yi Lai, Ching Yi Lee, Angela Chiu, Shih Tseng Lee*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the learning style that best defines a successful practitioner in the field of neurosurgery by using a validated learning style inventory.

Methods: The Kolb Learning Style Inventory, a validated assessment tool, was administered to all practicing neurosurgeons, neurosurgical residents, and neurology residents employed at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, an institution that provides primary and tertiary clinical care in 3 locations, Linkou, Kaohsiung, and Chiayi. There were 81 participants who entered the study, and all completed the study.

Results: Neurosurgeons preferred the assimilating learning style (52%), followed by the diverging learning style (39%). Neurosurgery residents were slightly more evenly distributed across the learning styles; however, they still favored assimilating (32%) and diverging (41%). Neurology residents had the most clearly defined preferred learning style with assimilating (76%) obtaining the large majority and diverging (12%) being a distant second.

Conclusions: The assimilating and diverging learning styles are the preferred learning styles among neurosurgeons, neurosurgery residents, and neurology residents. The assimilating learning style typically is the primary learning style for neurosurgeons and neurology residents. Neurosurgical residents start off with a diverging learning style and progress toward an assimilating learning style as they work toward becoming practicing neurosurgeons. The field of neurosurgery has limited opportunities for active experimentation, which may explain why individuals who prefer reflective observation are more likely to succeed in this field.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)298-303
Number of pages6
JournalWorld Neurosurgery
Volume82
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 01 09 2014

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2014 Elsevier Inc.

Keywords

  • KOLB learning style inventory (LSI)
  • Learning style
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgeon
  • Neurosurgery

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