Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Every individual has different learning approaches in acquisition and processing
of knowledge. Physiotherapy, an evolving allied health science profession, is developing rapidly.
Exploration of learning approaches among physiotherapy students will help the academicians to enrich
the quality of learning. This study aimed to analyze the learning approaches among physiotherapy
students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was carried out among 435 physiotherapy
students. The Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students questionnaire was used to evaluate
learning approaches in both preclinical and clinical students. Data were analyzed using the Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences software version 21. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
RESULTS: A total of 435 participants, 233 (53.56%) in preclinical phase and 202 (46.44%) in clinical
phase with a mean age of 19.01 ± 1.01 and 22.03 ± 1.43 years, respectively, participated in the
study. Among the 435 students, 411 (94.49%) adopted the deep approach, while only 21 (4.83%)
and 3 (0.69%) adopted strategic approach and surface approach, respectively. Preclinical students
had significantly higher mean scores for strategic and surface approaches than clinical (P = 0.000)
and (P = 0.000) using independent t‑test, respectively. Out of the 435 students, 50 (11.45%) were
male and 385 (88.51%) were female. Male students appeared less likely to adopt the deep learning
approach than female students (P = 0.013).
CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of learning approaches will assist the academicians to develop
teaching and learning strategies and effective curriculum depending on the perspectives of students.
Multiple methodologies focused on interactive student‑centric approach should be utilized to enhance
positive learning outcomes.
Keywords
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