An Analysis of Learning Styles and Study Habits of Achievers of Open and Distance Learning: A case of IGNOU

Abstract

The study attempted to examine the learning styles and
study habits of the meritorious learners (gold medalists of different
programmes) of the 28th Convocation of Indira Gandhi National Open
University (IGNOU). The Felder and Silverman’s Learning Style Model
(FSLSM) which has four dimensions was used for the current study.
The study found that respondents in majority were: ‘reflective’,
‘sensing’, ‘visual’ and ‘sequential’ learners. However, the respondents
who adopted other learning styles also had excelled in their respective
programmes. The respondents might have mastered more than one
learning style and these learning styles helped them in i) choosing
relevant activities and study material suited to their learning styles,
and ii) organising their studies on the basis of their preferences, and
thus, acted as a means of achieving their educational goals. The
analysis of the responses regarding study habits indicated that a
majority of the respondents had a flexible study schedule, devoted
up to four hours daily for studies, did not have a fixed place for
study, maintained the schedule though, with little difficulty, made all
preparations and subsequently used a table and a chair for study
purposes, completed one subject at a time, devoted time slots for
completing different learning activities, took small breaks during their
studies, and used IGNOU study material for preparations.