Learning Styles Theory: Is it a Myth?

A Surprising Question from a Young Learner

A primary school boy asked me recently, “Ma’am, was I supposed to do a test when I came to you the first time to find out what the best way for me to learn is?”

What a good question, and one that parents often ask me. I always reply, “God gave you a whole brain and 5 senses. So, I am sure He wants you to use everything you’ve got!”

I am pleased that evidence from research studies supports my thinking.

What the Learning Styles Theory Claims

The Learning Styles Theory states that

• We all have a learning style, such as ‘visual’, ‘auditory’, or ‘kinesthetic.’
• We should use our learning style to learn better, and
• Learners who are taught in a way that complements their learning style will also learn and perform better.

What the Research Shows about the Learning Styles Theory

This theory is, however, not backed up by a comprehensive review of various studies conducted by 4 professors of psychology in the United States. The findings of this study indicate that

• Students might have a preference, but a preference is not the same as a style. A preference is what you like the most, but not necessarily the way you would learn the best.
• Not one study could be traced that provided evidence that teaching learners in their ‘learning style’ led them to get better results.
• There is a lot of evidence that students who were taught in their favorite style did no better (in a wide variety of settings like education, medicine, or psychology).

Dr. Caroline Leaf (in Think, Learn, Succeed) also refers to this meta-analysis of studies related to the learning-styles theory. She reports that there is a lack of empirical evidence for assessing the so-called learning style preferences.

So, What Works Better?

So, one recommendation is to match teaching and learning methods to the nature of the content. For example, when teaching or studying geometry, it helps to use visual-spatial tools and strategies. A writing course, on the other hand, benefits from a strong verbal emphasis.

The Science of Learning also highlights a study showing that teaching and learning through a wide range and combination of senses often leads to better learning and longer-lasting memory. According to Dr. Leaf, education should focus on developing and implementing truly evidence-based interventions and approaches.

So, be careful when a child tells you, “I prefer to do this or that,” as it might be a preference (or to avoid effort), but not the best way!