Learning style preferences for Hong Kong GPs recruited in a distance-learning course

Objective: To examine the learning style preferences of general practitioners in Hong Kong enrolled in a Diploma of Family Medicine course. Design: Participants were invited to fill in the 40-item Honey and Mumford Learning Style Questionnaire. Data on instructional preference were gathered using a 47-item structured questionnaire developed for this study. Their assessment scores were also recorded for analysis. Subjects: Students based in Hong Kong and enrolled in the distance learning Postgraduate Diploma of Family Medicine conducted by Monash University. Main outcome measures: Students' attitudes and behaviours determining their preferences in learning. Results: Forty two percent (n=41) of 98 students took part in the study and completed the pre- and post- course subject questionnaires. The pre- course subject preferred learning style was "reflective" (32%) and the majority of students had only one preferred style (71%). The preferences did not show significant changes over the period of study of the 18-week semester. Conclusions: The predominant learning style of general practitioners in Hong Kong in this postgraduate course was "reflective". These life long learners may wish to consider their learning style preference when selecting future continuing medical education activities. Learning styles should be considered by course teams when revising instruction and teaching methods and assessments.