Exploring the determinants of student learning style compatibility with offline/online learning methods for management courses in India

Abstract

Every student is unique and possesses a different learning style to collect, store and retrieve the information stored in his or her mind. Students usually taking preparing notes, reading different study materials, using different sources to gather information, and sometimes using graphs, diagrams, flow charts, etc. to develop understanding. Over the years, a paradigm shift has taken place from teaching to learning and various researchers have contributed the development of teaching learning processes and methods that not only engage students but also develop better understanding of subject matter. As each subject is different, it requires a different style of teaching method, just as each learner is different; a specific method used for certain subjects may be suitable for one but not for others. With the advancement of technology, online learning provides sophisticated learning environment, refined course content, scientific teaching methodology, and committed participants, well equipped subject experts, virtual course instructors, and so forth. Although researchers have conducted studies in order to understand why no learning style fits all students, the way students learn and store information. Still, the adoption rate of online courses is discouraging, despite the various benefits online students enjoy. The objective of this article is to explore the determining factors responsible for evaluating the individual learning style of student and their compatibility with learning methods, either offline or online. The researcher has used a case study of 852 students studying in Medi-Caps University, Indore. Responses were collected through structured interviews and the performance of students at the end of the exams. This article tries to address the issue of quality education, and provide the self evaluating technique to determine the method of learning, management course with compatibility of individual learning style.