The effect of learning styles on the academic achievement of nursing students: a cross-sectional study

Background Learning in the academic setting is influenced by the dynamic interaction between students and teachers. Recognizing and adapting to diverse learning styles is essential for improving instruction, gaining knowledge, and drawing informed conclusions. Therefore, this study investigated learning styles and their effects on students' academic achievement. Methods In a cross-sectional study in Iran's Mazandaran province, 238 nursing students were surveyed between October and December 2021 using random sampling. The questionnaire included socio-demographic data, Kolb's Experiential Learning Model, and students' academic performance (EPT). Statistical analysis with SPSS version 22 involved descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, chi-square tests, and linear regression with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results The mean age of the nursing students was 20.95 +/- 1.71 years. The most common student learning styles were convergent (75.2%) and accommodator (12.2%). According to the results, convergent (148.62 +/- 16.28) and accommodator learning styles (147.72 +/- 8.79) with the highest average played a role in students' academic achievement. The mean score of EPT was 147. 13 +/- 15.48 (out of 240). A significant difference between the academic performance and different dimensions of learning style was found (p = 0.002). Conclusion Findings indicated that adopting a convergent and accommodator learning style can affect students' academic achievement. Therefore, learning environments appropriate to this style, such as simulation and laboratory activities, are suggested to emphasize practical work and make students think an scrutinize.