Learning style preferences of undergraduate pharmacy students in Universiti Teknologi Mara Puncak Alam

Leaming style is the way of how an individual approach a learning situation. The lack of knowledge and understanding on the learning styles preferences of pharmacy students can lead to serious problems in the education system. This study aimed to assess the learning styles preferences of pharmacy students, to compare the learning styles preferences among year 1, 2, 3 and 4 pharmacy students and to determine the demographics variables that significantly influenced the learning styles preferences of pharmacy students.A 24-item self-report survey instrument which consists of 2 sections was administered. Section 1 consists of socio­ demographic items and Section 2 consisted of the validated Pharmacists' Inventory of Leaming Styles (PILS). The result indicated that majority of the students which represented by 189 out of 469 students (40.3%) chose assimilator as their dominant learning style. This was followed by converger as the secondary learning style preferred by 119 out of 469 students (5.4%). There was no significant difference in learning styles preferences among year 1, year 2, year 3 and year 4 undergraduate pharmacy students. There were also no significant associations found between the demographic variables and learning style preferences. As learning is not static but is able to change from time to time, it is possible for learners to adapt different learning style to improve their learning style. Since, assimilator and converger learner are more interested in concept and idea rather than social issues, they should be exposed to learning activities that encourage them to interact with people. As a conclusion, a variety of teaching method should be implemented in pharmacy education to compliment all learning styles and to provide a fair environment for all type of learners.