Learning Styles, Preferences and Needs of Generation Z Medical Students

Background: Generation Z individuals have been described as being technologically sophisticated, dependent on gadgets and devices, have short attention spans, dislike reading printed material, prefer collaborative activities and learning in teams. It is of paramount importance to integrate their educational preferences with the medical curriculum for their better academic performances and enhanced learning. Objective: The study was a formal attempt to assess the learning needs, styles and preferences of the Gen Z medical students. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. A sum of 120 MBBS students of 2nd year studying in Bangladesh Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh were enrolled in this study by purposive method. A structured questionnaire was administered to them and data was collected by face-to-face interview. Findings were presented in tables and figures in the forms of means, frequencies and percentages. Results: Regarding gender, 70.8% were females. According to VARK inventory, 74.2% students preferred multimodal method of learning; among which 53.9% preferred bimodal approach. Highest mean score for individual VARK components was for auditory modality [8.59 (± 3.08)]; followed by kinesthetic [6.35 (± 4.26)]. Gender preferences of sensory modality reported no major differences; both genders preferred auditory followed by kinesthetic modality. Besides, 76.8% students said they chose mixed habits of learning meaning studying both alone and in groups. In addition, maximum students, meaning 100.0% and 95.8% mentioned that, interactive classes and in-hands training were the best educational tools and methods. It was also revealed that, 62.5% students thought that 60 minutes were the ideal duration for each lecture class. Lastly, they suggested that increased hands-on training (96.6%) and more practical-based tests (91.6%) were the most important factors which could improve the medical educational system. Conclusion: The study findings can guide the authorities on how the educational patterns and curriculum should be designed and adjusted which will impact the students’ learning process for better outcomes. Learning can only be effective if it is in alignment to the needs and preferences of the students.