Learning styles

Learning styles refer to a range of theories that aim to account for differences in individuals' learning.[1] Although there is ample evidence that individuals express personal preferences on how they prefer to receive information,[2]: 108  few studies have found validity in using learning styles in education.[3]: 267  Many theories share the proposition that humans can be classified according to their "style" of learning, but differ on how the proposed styles should be defined, categorized and assessed.[1]: 8  A common concept is that individuals differ in how they learn.[3]: 266 

The idea of individualized learning styles became popular in the 1970s. [4] This has greatly influenced education despite the criticism that the idea has received from some researchers.[2]: 107–108  Proponents recommend that teachers run a needs analysis to assess the learning styles of their students and adapt their classroom methods to best fit each student's learning style.[5] There are many different types of learning models that have been created and used since the 1970s. Many of the models have similar fundamental ideas and are derived from other existing models, such as the improvement from the Learning Modalities and VAK model to the VARK model. However, critics claim that there is no consistent evidence that better student outcomes result from identifying an individual student's learning style and teaching for specific learning styles.[2][6]: 33 

  1. ^ a b Coffield, Frank; Moseley, David; Hall, Elaine; Ecclestone, Kathryn (2004). Learning styles and pedagogy in post-16 learning: a systematic and critical review (PDF). London: Learning and Skills Research Centre. ISBN 1853389188. OCLC 505325671. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04.
  2. ^ a b c Pashler, Harold; McDaniel, Mark; Rohrer, Doug; Bjork, Robert A. (December 2008). "Learning styles: concepts and evidence". Psychological Science in the Public Interest. 9 (3): 105–119. doi:10.1111/j.1539-6053.2009.01038.x. PMID 26162104. S2CID 2112166.
  3. ^ a b Willingham, Daniel T.; Hughes, Elizabeth M.; Dobolyi, David G. (July 2015). "The scientific status of learning styles theories". Teaching of Psychology. 42 (3): 266–271. doi:10.1177/0098628315589505. S2CID 146126992.
  4. ^ In one extensive list of learning-styles instruments and theories (Coffield et al. 2004, pp. 166–169), the authors listed three works on learning styles before the 1950s, four from the 1950s, seven from the 1960s, 21 from the 1970s, 22 from the 1980s, and 17 from the 1990s.
  5. ^ Pritchard, Alan (2014) [2005]. "Learning styles". Ways of learning: learning theories and learning styles in the classroom (3rd ed.). Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon; New York: Routledge. pp. 46–65. ISBN 9780415834926. OCLC 853494423.
  6. ^ Vasquez, Kris (2009). "Learning styles as self-fulfilling prophecies". In Gurung, Regan A. R.; Prieto, Loreto R. (eds.). Getting culture: incorporating diversity across the curriculum. Sterling, VA: Stylus. pp. 53–63. ISBN 9781579222796. OCLC 228374299.