A comparison of preferred learning styles in traditional and counterintuitive subjects - Case: Quantum physics

Abstract

We examine if and how preferred learning styles vary between counterintuitive and traditional subjects, with a case study in quantum mechanics. This study was carried out by collecting data from twenty-four
PhD students in physics who answered a survey inspired by the VARK guide to learning styles. We find that a read/write learning style is less preferred in quantum mechanics compared to traditional subjects and that visual, auditive and kinesthetic styles are more preferred, with the biggest increase in the kinesthetic style. Our results imply that places of higher education, where self-study through reading is very common, should think carefully when designing courses in counterintuitive subjects such as quantum mechanics.