Harmful “Learning Styles” Myth

In recent years, the theory of ‘learning styles’ has captivated the educational landscape, suggesting that each student has a unique mode of learning that should be catered to in order to optimize their educational outcomes.

However, the persistence of this idea, as exemplified in the March 2019 edition of BC Parent Magazine in an article titled “Your Child’s Learning Style” by Karen Johnson, needs a critical examination.

📚 The Myth of Singular Learning Styles

Karen Johnson’s article claims that individual learning styles should be applied universally across all learning situations to maximize efficiency. This notion is based on a categorization where learners are identified as predominantly visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or a mix of these.

Unfortunately, this oversimplification of cognitive processes is not supported by credible academic research and is considered a myth by many in the educational community.

The issue with the article begins with its sources—citing platforms like Kumon and Udemy.com. While these platforms may offer valuable educational tools, they are not authoritative sources on cognitive psychology or educational research, thus undermining the article’s credibility.

🧠 Reality of Learning: A Multifaceted Approach

The reality, supported by contemporary educational psychology, suggests that effective learning is much more dynamic and cannot be confined to singular, fixed styles. For example, consider the multifaceted approach to learning how to cook.

This activity naturally integrates visual elements (watching a demonstration), kinesthetic components (handling ingredients and cooking tools), and auditory aspects (listening to instructions). This blend of sensory experiences enhances comprehension and retention for virtually all learners, not just those who identify with one specific learning style.

This example is mirrored in our educational practices, where a holistic approach is always more beneficial than a restrictive focus on single learning styles.

At our school, students engage in learning through diverse methods. Take, for instance, a student learning about the complex structure of atoms. She doesn’t rely solely on one method; her learning process includes hands-on experiments, visual aids like diagrams, note-taking, and creating explanatory videos.

This integrated approach ensures that complex information is more accessible and understandable.

🎓 Universal Benefits of Diverse Teaching Methods

The effectiveness of combining various teaching methods can be observed universally across educational environments. It supports the argument that all students benefit when teachers employ a rich tapestry of methods.

Whether these methods are applied simultaneously or sequentially, they enrich the learning experience, making the educational content more relatable and digestible for all students.

Contrary to what Johnson’s article might suggest, it is misleading to assert that different students should learn in fundamentally different ways. This notion can lead to the educational pigeonholing of students, potentially hindering their ability to engage with material presented in a non-preferred style, thus limiting their learning potential.

📖 Recommended Reading and Resources

For those interested in delving deeper into the debunking of the ‘learning styles’ myth, there are numerous credible sources and scholarly works available. A notable example includes an article from The Guardian, which discusses prevalent neuromyths in education and offers evidence-based critiques.

Additionally, books on learning styles myths such as “Five Teaching and Learning Myths–Debunked: a Guide for Teachers” by Adam M Brown & Althea Need Kaminske and “Learning about Learning” by the National Council on Teacher Quality provide extensive insights into effective educational strategies that are grounded in reliable research rather than popular myths.

🌍 Conclusion: Embracing a Comprehensive Educational Approach

In conclusion, the notion of rigid, singular ‘learning styles’ as the most effective approach to education is not only outdated but potentially harmful. It simplifies the complex nature of human cognition and learning, which is inherently flexible and multifaceted.

As educators, our mission should be to equip students with the ability to adapt to various learning situations, utilizing a combination of all senses and cognitive skills. By fostering an adaptive learning environment, we prepare our students for the diverse and ever-changing challenges of the real world, ensuring they have the tools necessary to succeed in whatever they may face. Therefore, it is crucial for educators and parents alike to move beyond the myth of learning styles and embrace a more comprehensive, inclusive approach to teaching and learning.

Recommended books:

Five Teaching and Learning Myths–Debunked : a Guide for Teachers (2018) by Adam M Brown & Althea Need Kaminske

Learning about Learning (2016) by National Council on Teacher Quality https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED570861.pdf