MSU Research Sheds Light on Learning Styles and Team Projects
Dr. Vivek Madupu, assistant professor of marketing at Morehead State University, is researching how students' learning styles influence their views on team projects.
The research in the "Journal of Business Management (Vol. 31, 2024)" of Accounting provides valuable insights for educators designing coursework for business students.
Dr. Madupu’s research found that marketing students are more active and visual learners while accounting students are more reflective, sensing, and sequential. These differences influence how students perceive the effectiveness and value of team projects.
"When forming groups, students with different learning styles should be included in the groups,” said Madupu. “This helps students to complete group projects effectively.”
The study also suggests that marketing students generally find more value in team projects, but they may not be suitable for all students. This finding highlights the importance of offering individual and group assignments to accommodate diverse learning preferences.
“So, the courses required for Marketing Majors should involve group projects. When teaching an introductory marketing course, which is more likely to be a mix of students with different learning styles, educators may give team projects along with individual projects,” Madupu explained.
Dr. Janet Ratliff (Class of 1991, 1992), chair of the Department of Business Administration and professor of management and entrepreneurship, emphasized the significance of this research in enhancing classroom experiences.
“Dr. Madupu's research gives us valuable insight into team projects and student learning styles that seem to vary by discipline,” Ratliff said. “Therefore, knowing more about the differences among our students and applying that knowledge to the realities in the classroom can only enhance the educational experiences we provide to all of our students.”
For more information on their research, contact Madupu at v.madupu@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2338.
To learn more about programs in the Smith College of Business & Technology, email cbt@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2174.
