Preference of Sequential and Global Learning Among Higher Education Students - A Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Sequential learners prefer to organise information in a linear, orderly fashion. They learn in logically sequenced steps and work with information in an organised and systematic way. Global learners prefer to organise information more holistically and in a seemingly random manner without seeing connections. In this study, we aim to learn the preference of learning style between global and sequential learning among higher education students. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey from February to April 2021 among 100 undergraduates. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board [IRB], Saveetha Dental College. Data were analyzed with the SPSS version [22.0]. The final results were represented in pie chart form. Results: the preference of learning styles were [57.69%] preferred sequential learning and the remaining [42.31%] preferred global learning. Conclusion: Most of the students prefer to learn in logically sequenced steps and work with information in an organized and systematic way. Thus the way of teaching and curriculum should be in favour of sequencing learning for better understanding of students.