Most people have accepted the assertion that each student has a distinct “learning style” as fact in the educational sector. If one does a little digging, they will find that there are over 70 different styles of learning and teaching style schemes that attempt to classify students according to how they learn best. The notion of learning styles has become so widely accepted that educators are actively urged to recognize each student’s learning style. Teachers also often evolve their teaching style, lesson plans, and homework assignments to help each student achieve maximum comprehension.<\/span><\/p>\n

To Begin, what exactly are Learning Styles?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Almost all educators would be familiar with the concept that everyone has a preferred method of absorbing knowledge. Students will learn more easily if an educator teaches them in their chosen style. This concept has been around since the 1970s and well-intentioned teachers and dedicated students who want to learn effectively still carry it forward. It is no wonder that everyone wants to learn faster and more efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, there is no convincing proof that there are different learning styles.<\/span><\/p>\n

In truth, the best evidence points in the opposite direction. The notion that people perform best when trained in a way that corresponds to their unique \u201clearning style\u201d \u2014 Auditory, Kinesthetic, Visual, or a combination of the three \u2014 is generally dismissed. According to multiple studies, learners do not profit from their own learning style. Teachers and students have different ideas about what learning styles work best for them, and we have no insight into how much we learn from various approaches.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Myth of Learning Styles<\/span><\/h4>\n

Every student will differ in terms of skill, interest, and prior experience, but not in terms of learning styles. According to research, when people have a favorite style of presentation, it is typically for a task or topic in which they have a high level of talent and already feel good.<\/span><\/p>\n

One may think they are an Auditory learner if they are good at music, or a Visual learner if they are creative. While one can prefer a certain method of learning, there is no proof that it can help them learn more effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

The myth of learning styles appears to be as widespread as ever. The learning styles paradigm can also be harmful to education in a variety of ways, according to various previous studies. Even though all students will profit from learning by multiple methods, educators expend time and money tailoring lessons to specific learning styles for different students. Even if it will not help them excel, students study in ways that correspond to their perceived learning style.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, it is not obvious why educators want to believe in them. It is possible that the theory is heavily reinforced during teacher training; it is also possible that teachers are dealing with their students in the same way that their teachers interacted with them. Alternatively, it is\u00a0<\/span>possible that efforts to dispel the theory have become close to zero, struggling to reach educators.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Teaching Practices to Suit Various Learning Styles<\/span><\/h4>\n

Educators are well aware that no two students are alike, and that there is a wide range of learning styles. As a result, an educator\u2019s teaching style may have a significant effect on a student’s ability to understand and comprehend. This is why teachers must be familiar with a variety of learning styles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Shawn\u2019s<\/b> preferred method of learning pictures and graphics? It is possible that he is a Visual learner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is it true that Kevin<\/b> learns best by attending seminars, asking questions, and engaging in group discussions? He may be an Auditory learner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is it more convenient for Jack<\/b> and Katie<\/b> to collect knowledge by reading, taking notes, and writing reports or essays? They may be Reading\/Writing learners.<\/span><\/p>\n

What about Joel<\/b>, for instance? She is very hands-on and seems to love disassembling and reassembling items in order to learn by doing. It is possible she is a Kinesthetic learner.<\/span><\/p>\n

That is one common breakdown of the learning styles continuum, but it is by no means the only one. Most teaching types fall into one of two categories: Teacher-Centered<\/b> or Student-Centered<\/a>. <\/b>Here is a breakdown of the differences between teacher-centered and student-centered instruction:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Teacher-Centered Approach:<\/span><\/h4>\n

The Teacher-Centered approach to education is a teaching style that views the teacher as the authority in charge of imparting information to students through lectures or direct instruction. Students are passive actors or “empty vessels” in this approach (also known as “sage on the stage”). They listen and absorb information.<\/span><\/p>\n

This Teacher-Centered approach to teaching is the most common, but it is not always the strongest. And, as educators learn more about how to involve students of all learning styles, the teacher-centered approach is becoming less common.<\/span><\/p>\n