The general scientific consensus on “learning styles” is that they are a myth. While this doesn’t mean that there aren’t different ways in which we learn, the issue lies in drawing the conclusion that education should target a specific method over others as if the learning process would prove more effective. Under this principle, a style (e.g., visual learner) is attributed to a particular student, which then shapes how they’re taught. The styles are commonly broken down into four categories, collectively referred to as VARK: visual, auditory (aural), read/write, and kinesthetic (tactile).
The Evidence Shows
Research published in the Journal of Educational Psychology concluded that there is no substantive evidence to support the idea that there are inherent cognitive predispositions for how a student will ultimately perform throughout their education and beyond. One of the primary concerns raised is how educators who follow the myth perpetuate “maladaptive strategies for learning,” as said by Shaylene Nancekivell, PhD, the lead researcher for the study. Several other studies resulted in complementary conclusions. It makes more sense to think of learning styles as a “preference”—one about which a student is encouraged to emphasize by educators who ascribe to the myth.
Limitations of the “Preference” Approach
One limitation to using this preference approach, even at a surface level, is that it’d be counterproductive to continue valuing a system structured around focusing on one element while dismissing others. Another limitation is that educators gauge which learning style to promote based on feedback from students. This info can be unreliable, as students lack a solid understanding of the complexities of learning. It’s also important to note that studies haven’t found VARK to be causally linked with greater academic performance.
Experts Suggest
Experts suggest that the optimal route is valuing each of the methods of processing information. Of course, we can’t assume every educator welcomes the evidence, or lack thereof, with open arms. Continuing to align curricula with learning styles in the face of criticism may be an indicator of how ingrained the principle is in our education system. While experts favor a broad approach over strict adherence to learning styles, we can still work with the learning preferences at the core, while imparting to students ways they can improve with other modes of information processing despite it seeming like they were only meant for one method.
Working Past Limitations
Create activities that merge two methods, with one being your child’s preferred or most effective.
~ Include their preferred mode to ease the process of learning the other forms of information processing.
~ Allow a less jarring change, while also providing a way for your child to form connections between the styles and see how they can work complementarily.
For Example
You could pair visual with read/write by combining the activities of viewing a chart with writing a list.
You could pair visual with auditory, by watching a video that begins with diagrams but then also makes use of songs to teach the information.
Bottom Line
Through these examples, you can see – and reinforce for your child – the ways in which the four categories overlap easily, even though VARK implies each of the four modes is exclusive.