A Student Typology Based on Instructional Method Preferences

Undergraduate business students (N = 307) reported their learning preferences from a list of 18 instructional methods commonly used by college of business educators. Data were also collected on academic and demographic characteristics. Exploratory factor analysis of student preferences for instructional methods identified five learning styles: "social learning, independent learning, experiential learning, traditional learning, and gaming." A "k"-means clustering procedure used the five factors to create a typology of five student groups: "hands-on learners, open-minded learners, resistant learners, interactive gamers, and conventional learners." When profiled using other student characteristics, the results help provide educators with insights into student's instructional method preferences.