Learning Preference vs. Learning Style 

Students may have a preferred way of learning, but do they really learn better one way over another?  

The answer is unclear. Depending on whom you ask learning styles relate to the way in which different individuals learn. As many researchers have focused on different aspects of learning styles, a wide range of interpretations and definitions have been produced (Boneva & Mohova. 2011). One popular approach to thinking about learning styles is VARK, which suggests that there are three kinds of learning styles: auditory learners, visual learners, and kinesthetic/tactile learners (Drake et al., 2014), as shown in the image below.

http://studentblogs.le.ac.uk/management/files/2012/10/Learning-Styles-1.jpg

In comparison, many professionals believe that according to research, although students may have a preferred way to learn within the classroom, they can, and do learn through all learning methods. Most of the research and results on learning styles focus on students’ preferred channel of perception (or learning). Although it is clear that learners may use different channels at different times, depending on the nature of the task to be performed, it is possible to allocate learners to one of the following groups based solely on their (generally) preferred channel of perception (Boneva & Mohova. 2011).

https://reachmilitaryfamilies.umn.edu/sites/default/files/learning_modules/files/1/learning%20styles.jpg

Do you remember being a student and taking a quiz such as this one, to determine which learning style you were and then giving your answers to your teacher. And your teacher said it was to get to know you better as a student and see which ways you learn best. Did this really help you in the class? Did the teacher use this information to change their teaching style? Probably not.

Although the belief in learning styles is so widespread and is considered to be common sense within the education system, there is no evidence that these learning styles make a difference to children’s learning. However, few people ever challenge this belief, which has been deeply ingrained in our educational system. Teachers are routinely told that in order to be effective educators, they must identify and cater to students' learning styles. It is estimated that around 90% of students believe that they have a specific learning style but research suggests that learning styles don't actually exist. And that students are only reflecting their preferred learning styles when they take quizzes that determine their “best learning style”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYyVWBJn59g

If you want more information on learning styles check out this Ted Talk by Dr. Tesia Marshik, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Whose presentation focuses on debunking the myth of learning styles through research and examining the problematic nature of this belief and why, despite the lack of research, educators consider learning styles "common sense". Many people may not agree with this analysis of learning styles, however it is always important to consider opposing views when examining educational theories and concepts. But let me know what you think in the comments below!

References

Boneva, D., & Mihova, E.(2011). Learning Styles and Learning Preferences: Module 8. Bulgaria: Dyslexia Association.

Drake, S.M., Reid, J.L., Kolohon, W. (2014).  Interweaving curriculum and classroom assessment: Engaging the 21st-century learner.  Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.