The Problem with Learning Styles

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All

Despite its widespread popularity as a concept, the idea of learning styles is not supported by research on student learning. While it may be true that students enjoy or prefer a particular approach to learning, there is no evidence that teaching students only or primarily in that preferred way will improve their learning. Instead, research indicates that giving all students a range of opportunities to encode their learning is beneficial. For example, it is better for learning if you can give every student the chance to both draw a diagram of a concept AND verbally explain it. The following list contains links to research on learning styles as well as other, evidence-based strategies for improving student learning that have a solid evidence base.

Debunking Learning Styles

Evidence-Based Strategies for Improving Learning

Source URL: https://crlt.umich.edu/problem-learning-styles