Busting the learning styles myth: Why learning generalists perform best
Unravel the mystery behind the learning styles myth and discover why learning generalists often outperform their peers. Delve into the fascinating world of learning methodologies, debunking common misconceptions, and revealing the power of a more holistic approach to education.
A large percentage of the population believe they were born with an innate learning style
Studies show no evidence for learning styles, and many researchers fear they may discourage proven educational practices.
- Another prevalent neuromyth is that of “learning styles.”
- According to this belief, people can be classified by how they learn best and should concentrate their educational efforts in that mode.
A multi-style approach to learning
Success is complicated
- It requires the right mixture of education, resources, skill, and luck
- We tend to streamline specialization into specialization equals success
- The earlier we learn who we are and dedicate ourselves to a path, the greater our chances to succeed
- To get a head start on success, specialize early and to the exclusion of all else
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The Elements of Learning Style
There is a grain of truth to the myth. People do differ in their abilities and preferences.
- The VARK model, for example, classifies people as either visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic (hands-on) learners.
- It is worth noting that some learning-style proponents take a softer view. They see learning styles as “simply common patterns of student preferences for different approaches to instruction with certain attributes associated with each preference.”
VARK! A vagrant model
A short thought experiment reveals the fundamental problem with the learning styles myth
- Imagine a young surgeon being told he’s a reading/writing learner.
- Taking the idea to heart, she skips lectures, shuns anatomy charts, and doesn’t bother practicing on cadavers.
- But don’t worry, she says, they were excellent books.