Research Article: Learning style analysis of traditional Chinese medicine residents in Taiwan: validation of the traditional Chinese version of the index of learning styles
Abstract:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education in Taiwan is transitioning from an apprenticeship model to a standardized residency program. This unique training cohort of TCM residents integrates the knowledge systems of TCM and Western Medicine (WM). To understand this population, we aim to translate, validate, and use the Traditional Chinese version of the Index of Learning Styles (TC-ILS) to profile the learning style distribution of Taiwanese TCM residents.
A cross-sectional survey recruited 217 TCM residents from the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital system. Psychometric properties were assessed via Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Composite Reliability (CR). Learning style profiles and subgroup differences were also analyzed.
Psychometric evaluation of the TC-ILS yielded mixed fit findings: while RMSEA (0.035) suggested small average residuals, CFI (0.730), TLI (0.714), and SRMR (0.136) indicated substantial misfit. Accordingly, the CFA provides only partial support for the hypothesized four-factor structure, consistent with prior ILS reports involving dichotomous items and highly correlated dimensions. Regarding internal consistency, the CR was acceptable for Sensing/Intuitive (0.639) and Visual/Verbal (0.625), but below the 0.6 standard for Active/Reflective (0.461) and Sequential/Global (0.485). The cohort exhibited strong preferences for Sensing (77.42%), Visual (87.56%), Reflective (62.21%), and Global (59.45%) styles.
This study translated, adapted, and assessed the TC-ILS for use in this specific TCM resident cohort. The profile demonstrated a distinct tendency toward Visual, Sensing, Reflective, and Global styles. The Global preference differs from the Sequential style typically observed in WM participants and may reflect features of this specific professional training context.
Introduction:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education in Taiwan is transitioning from an apprenticeship model to a standardized residency program. This unique training cohort of TCM residents integrates the knowledge systems of TCM and Western Medicine (WM). To understand this population, we aim to translate, validate, and use the Traditional Chinese version of the Index of Learning Styles (TC-ILS) to profile the learning style distribution of Taiwanese TCM residents.
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