WIP 58 - Preferential Learning-Based Curriculum Satisfaction of Medical Students on a Pediatric Rotation

Publication Number: WIP 58.7522

Tiffany E. Brooks, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States; Kelly A. Lyons, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, KY, United States

Background: Medical school training historically has focused on learning through lecture based didactics, literature review, and clinical experience. Despite a recent move towards more asynchronous learning, most medical education still relies on a traditional didactic method which does not consider individual learning styles. Learning styles can be defined as: visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic (VARK). To date, no studies have investigated a cognitive learning-based style approach to enhance pediatric rotation learning and evaluate perceived need for preferential materials for rotating medical students.

Objective: We aim to investigate if preferential learning using identified learning styles by the VARK questionnaire© improves pediatric rotation curriculum satisfaction for rotating medical students.

Design/Methods: We are conducting a prospective mixed-methods study evaluating rotating medical students during their pediatric rotation at our tertiary children’s hospital. The study has received IRB exemption, and data is being collected from September 2024 to February 2025. Participants will complete both a pre-survey and validated VARK questionnaire© at the beginning of the rotation. Participants will be provided weekly study materials tailored to their VARK result via an online educational platform. Example study materials will focus on pediatric topics such as asthma and anemia. Participants will also complete weekly surveys assessing their satisfaction and utilization of the learning-style materials. Lastly, following the completion of the rotation, participants will complete a post-intervention satisfaction survey.

Data analysis: Quantitative survey results will be analyzed using SPSS software and the appropriate nonparametric testing will be conducted. Qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis by two independent coders. Following independent analysis, coders will conduct supervised triangulation meetings by an expert in qualitative research analysis to formulate the final data themes.