Research on learning styles and preferences of postgraduate students

This study investigates learning styles and preferences of postgraduate business students and propose future models of delivery of university teaching and learning methods. The research is conducted at Southampton Solent University. In order to examine the learning styles and preferences of postgraduate business students both descriptive and exploratory research design is implemented and the research methods are both quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research is applied to identify and measure learning styles and preferences of postgraduate business students and qualitative research is used to explore these preferences in the context of individual learning styles. Therefore, the methods used are quantitative survey, semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus groups. It has been concluded that learning should not be moving more towards online learning, online learning should be used as a supplement to traditional teaching methods. However, like any other service business, universities have to be very diversified and deliver the service when and how the people want it. Therefore, flexibility and diversity of teaching delivery is nowadays the key to course design.