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An Examination of the Learning Styles of Online MBA Students and Their Preferred Course Delivery Methods
Author(s) -
Barnes F. Barry,
Preziosi Robert C.,
Gooden Doreen J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
new horizons in adult education and human resource development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1939-4225
DOI - 10.1002/nha3.10183
Subject(s) - course (navigation) , mathematics education , psychology , online course , learning styles , online learning , medical education , computer science , multimedia , engineering , medicine , aerospace engineering
This study asked students of non‐traditional age enrolled in an online MBA program to complete a questionnaire for assessing their learning styles, using the well‐known Kolb Learning‐Style Inventory. In addition to the questions about learning style, students were asked to evaluate eight electronic course delivery methods used by their professors. Students were asked to assess those methods using a 6‐point Likert‐type scale. They were also asked how the method could be qualitatively improved, but this research paper does not address those written comments. The following research questions were posed: What are the different learning styles of online MBA students?, What, if any, differences are there in the learning styles of students enrolled in online MBA courses?, and Do online students prefer certain electronic course delivery methods over others? Differences were identified in the learning styles of the students. Students reported preferences in certain course delivery methods over others. There were also significant relationships reported between learning styles and preferred course delivery methods. Implications for instructors are discussed.