Use of learning styles to enhance graduate education.

This study was carried out to help occupational therapy students utilize learning strategies necessary to be successful at the graduate level. Students completed The Kolb Learning Style Inventory and Motivation Strategies for Learning Questionnaire to identify their personal learning preferences. These preferences were used as the basis for a remediation program carried out during the second semester of the curriculum following less than adequate performance during the first semester in basic science content. At mid-term, all but one student was satisfied with her performance in neuroanatomy. Following a closer scrutiny of the dissatisfied student's approach to learning, the student and program developer devised a more comprehensive plan. By the end of the semester, all students successfully passed neuroanatomy while adequately balancing other courses within the semester. Given the initial positive results, the utilization of attention to learning styles as a means to direct student learning may be a promising model for struggling students in graduate education.