Postgraduate Students’ Learning Styles in Electronic and Presence Training in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Learning is a complex process in which there is an interaction among many factors including the student’s motivation, teacher, learning material, etc. Today, development of virtual environments has necessitated different issues about learning to be considered in the classrooms run through modern approaches. The students should have enough motivation in the learning situation and the material has to be easily at hand. A common theory used nowadays is constructivist learning theory. In this theory, there is a focus on the learner’s experiences in the learning process. However, the common approach to teaching is still teacher centered, practicing traditional courses and practices. This makes students passive. Teaching approaches have shifted from teacher-centered to student-centered learning in which the student’s role as active learner is emphasized. The learning results depend on students and teacher’s activeness and interest in the subject. Student’s activeness in the learning process can be activated with such learning methods as group work, discussions and questionnaires.