Title: Creating the conditions for educational change: learning styles and gender

Authors: Rosa Maria Hervas Aviles, Angela Hernandez Moreno

Addresses: Faculty of Education, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, s/n 30100, Murcia, Spain. ' Faculty of Education, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, s/n 30100, Murcia, Spain

Abstract: This study identifies the learning styles of 1,289 secondary school students and indicates gender differences. Two conclusions were forthcoming: 1) the similar student distribution in each of the learning style typologies; 2) the significant differences that exist between the different styles of male and female secondary school students. Female students prefer organised learning environments in which they can interact with the teachers and work with their peers. They are also comfortable working with abstract concepts taught in class and in debates. Male students prefer to work on their own and towards achieving individual aims, using organised language oriented materials.

Keywords: gender differences; motivation; educational change; learning styles; secondary schools; student distribution; typologies; male students; female students; organised learning environments; interaction; teachers; peers; abstract concepts; debates; individual aims; lone study; language oriented materials; Spain; challenges; secondary education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2010.035834

International Journal of Learning and Change, 2010 Vol.4 No.3, pp.252 - 262

Published online: 05 Oct 2010 *

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