Students’ Learning Styles Myth: Is The Theory Still Valid?

Introduction

When we seek to understand and accommodate learning and teaching, it’s crucial to consider individual differences. Each student has unique strengths, weaknesses, and preferences that can affect the way they learn. This is why the idea of learning styles emerged.

It suggests that individuals have different ways of processing and understanding information and that we should tailor teaching to fit the student’s preferred learning style.

However, the concept of learning styles has become widely debatable in recent years. Some experts claim that learning styles are nothing more than a myth.

In this blog post, we’ll look at the evidence for and against the learning styles theory and whether it’s still valid.

Defining Learning Styles

First, it is important to make a distinction between learning styles and Gardners’ multiple intelligence theory

The concept of learning styles refers to the different ways individuals process and store information.

One of the most widely used models of learning styles is the VARK model, which stands for Visual, Aural, Read/write, and Kinesthetic. Educator Neil Fleming introduced the concept and devised a test to determine learners preferred learning styles. The model classifies learners into four major styles:

1. Visual Learners:

These learners prefer to learn through visual aids such as images, diagrams, and videos. They are often described as “picture thinkers” and may benefit from mind maps, flowcharts, and other visual aids.

2. Auditory Learners:

These learners prefer to learn through listening and verbal explanations. They may benefit from lectures, discussions, and audio recordings.

3. Reading/Writing oriented learners:

These learners prefer to learn through written materials such as books, articles, and notes. They may benefit from taking detailed notes, writing summaries, and reading extensively.

4. Kinesthetic:

These learners prefer to learn through hands-on activities and physical experiences. They may benefit from lab experiments, role-playing, and other activities that allow them to apply what they have learned.

It’s important to note that most individuals possess a combination of these styles and may use different strategies at different times. Understanding your learning style can help you develop strategies that work best for you, allowing you to learn more effectively.

Learning Styles Myth

Now, let’s consider the learning styles myth from a different perspective. Are the learning styles just a myth?

Below, we will discuss some of the arguments against the idea of learning styles.

Willingham, Hughes & Dobolyi (2015) argue that the idea of learning styles is not backed by scientific evidence. They explain that research on learning styles has been inconsistent and inconclusive and that there is no proof that teaching according to a student’s preferred learning style leads to better learning outcomes.

They also point out that there is no uniform description or measurement of learning styles and that the concept is based on a misunderstanding of how the brain processes information.

In a video on YouTube, educational psychologist Dr. Daniel Willingham debunks the learning styles myth by arguing that the idea that students have a preferred learning style is not only unsupported by scientific evidence but also that students can learn effectively using any teaching method as long as the teacher presents the in a way that they can understand.

He also states that the idea of teaching learners according to their learning styles is now disproved because it is based on a misunderstanding of how the brain works – Scientific research suggests that the brain is capable of processing information in multiple ways.

In another research, Husmann and her co-author demonstrated that, in general, pupils did not learn in a way that suited their learning styles and that even when they did, their test results did not show improvement.

To put it another way, they didn’t learn any better when they tried to learn in line with their preferred learning preferences.

So, whether students are visualizers, auditory, readers, or kinesthetic, their brain is designed to process any type of information in any manner it is presented.

Learning and Teaching Implications Of The Learning Styles Theory

So, what does this mean for educators and students? Does it mean that we should stop trying to understand and accommodate different methods of learning and teaching? Not necessarily.

The truth is that every student is different and has unique needs. However, instead of focusing on accommodating knowledge by matching teaching methods to a student’s supposed preferred learning style, it’s more effective to focus on making the material varied, clear, well-organized, and relevant to the student.

Additionally, providing multiple ways of understanding and interacting with the materials, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and written materials, can help reach all students.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of learning styles has been widely debated in recent years and while scientific evidence does not support the idea that students have a preferred learning style, it’s still important to understand and accommodate different methods of learning.

Instead of focusing on matching teaching methods to a student’s supposed preferred learning style, educators should focus on making the material clear, well-organized, and relevant to the student and providing multiple ways of understanding and interacting with the material.

References

• Willingham, D. T., Hughes, E. M., & Dobolyi, D. G. (2015). The scientific status of learning styles theories. Teaching of Psychology, 42(3), 266-271