Learning Styles is like a Bad Smell
that just does not go away !
One of the definite podcasts that debunks the idea of Learning Styles. But if you can’t go through this hour long podcast, read along for the general idea.
Fun fact: Did you know that there are over 60 Learning Styles theories?
The most popular one being the VAK (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic Learners).
For context, here’s a general understanding of Learning Styles among teachers/student:
“The fundamental idea behind learning styles is: that each of us has a specific learning style (sometimes called a “preference”), and we learn best when information is presented to us in this style. For example, visual learners would learn any subject matter best if given graphically or through other kinds of visual images, kinesthetic learners would learn more effectively if they could involve bodily movements in the learning process, and so on.” (Source)
There are two parts in this belief:
- First, we all have different learning styles/preferences (eg: visual)
- Second, we all learn best when we consume information as per the style (eg: I learn best visually)
The idea of Learning Style sounds so NATURAL, so INTUITIVE, so PRACTICAL. Because every one is UNIQUE (different) and therefore everyone MUST have a different learning style.
No harm done yet.
However the idea starts getting silly. Especially, the insistence in:
a. Finding out the preferred learning styles of students.
b. Tailoring the teaching process to “fit” the students’ learning styles.
As a result, the teacher will have to now think about “Differentiation” or “Differentiated Instructions” in each lesson plan. I’ve personally come across lesson plans carved out to match the content for “visual learners, auditory learners, and kinesthetic learners”.
Despite tons of academic research on the futility of learning styles in learning/teaching, many educators and educational leaders blindly and un-critically believe in this misguided idea.
How did this happen? Why does it persist? Why do even the most well-intentioned teachers and educators still hang on to it?
I think/assume that most teachers/educators have heard about this in so many workshops, courses, conferences that they have taken it as the truth. Unchallengeable truth.
(Well, in Nepal’s context, you can’t even question some of the educational commentators. How dare you !!!)
The funny thing is: visuals, audios, hands on activities, etc are simply different representation of the information, or the learning content.
Just like books, blogs, and youtube videos - all are information in different form.
You might ask me:
So what’s the big deal? What’s the harm in believing in this such a friendly looking learning theory? Why are you making such a big fuss about it?
To start with, Learning Styles is the Zodiac Signs in Education. On a serious note, there are some solid reasons to discard this totally.
a. Lack of scientific evidences. Like the gents on the above video talk about, there is no credible scientific evidence to support the notion that teaching to a student's preferred learning style leads to better learning outcomes. That’s the first strike already.
b. Learning styles actually promotes “boxing” or “labeling” students as certain types. Hey, doesn’t that sound something like promoting “fixed mindset” ? Carol Dweck wouldn’t be happy with this ! Inadvertently promoting/reinforcing certain stereotypes about students.
c. When students are encouraged to believe that they have certain learning styles, they may be less likely to challenge themselves to learn in new ways or to try new approaches to learning. (ma ta visual learner, so visually matra learn garna sakchu.) This can definitely limit their potential for growth and development.
d. Increased work load for teachers. Now imagine the school admin putting pressures on teachers to come up with at least three or four different activities or lesson plans to cater to all the learning styles of the students.
e. Waste of time, effort, and money.
Alright, let me share some interesting stuffs and hope these trigger your critical thinking part of the brain.
# Learning styles & the importance of critical self-reflection | Tesia Marshik | TEDxUWLaCrosse
(Visual learners, watch is video that debunks your visual learning style)
# The Biggest Myth in Education
(You can find almost all the important references in the description of this video)
And finally, something that will make you ROFL while reading:
# What Your Learning Style Is, Based On Your Zodiac Sign
So, next time when you come across someone talking about Learning Styles, share them this post :)