Brains vs. Beliefs Episode 1: Learning Styles
Written by: Karla Lassonde
In this episode, we discuss the misconception that we learn best when teaching styles are paired with learning styles. We describe the origins of this mistaken belief, how this is promoted in the media, and share how research has tested this assumption and shown it to be false. We explain how although we may have preferences for how we like to learn information, matching teaching to our learning preferences doesn't actually help us learn faster or remember more information.
You can view show notes and a transcript here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/675a8569
Click to listen below, or find this episode wherever you find podcasts!
References and Resources
Coffield, F., Moseley, D., Hall, E., & Ecclestone, K. (2004). Learning Styles and Pedagogy in Post-16 Learning: A Systematic and Critical Review. Published by the Learning and Skills Research Centre, www.LSRC.ac.uk. https://ve42.co/Coffield2004
Fleming, N., & Baume, D. (2006). Learning styles again: VARKing up the right tree!. Educational developments, 7(4), 4. https://ve42.co/Fleming2006
Furey, W. (2020). The stubborn myth of learning styles. Education Next, 20(3), 8-13.
Husmann, P. R., & O'Loughlin, V. D. (2019). Another nail in the coffin for learning styles? Disparities among undergraduate anatomy students’ study strategies, class performance, and reported VARK learning styles. Anatomical sciences education, 12(1), 6-19. https://ve42.co/Husmann2019
Massa, L. J., & Mayer, R. E. (2006). Testing the ATI hypothesis: Should multimedia instruction accommodate verbalizer-visualizer cognitive style?. Learning and Individual Differences, 16(4), 321-335. https://ve42.co/Massa2006
Marshik, T. (2015, April 2). Learning styles & the importance of critical self-reflection. https://youtu.be/855Now8h5Rs?feature=shared TEDxUWLaCrosse.
Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R. (2008). Learning styles: Concepts and evidence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 9(3), 105-119.
Riener, C., & Willingham, D. (2010). The myth of learning styles. Change: The magazine of higher learning, 42(5), 32-35. https://ve42.co/Riener2010
Rogowsky, B. A., Calhoun, B. M., & Tallal, P. (2015). Matching learning style to instructional method: Effects on comprehension. Journal of educational psychology, 107(1), 64. https://ve42.co/Rogowskyetal
Snider, V. E., & Roehl, R. (2007). Teachers’ beliefs about pedagogy and related issues. Psychology in the Schools, 44, 873–886. doi:10.1002/pits.20272. https://ve42.co/Snider2007
Willingham, D. T., Hughes, E. M., & Dobolyi, D. G. (2015). The scientific status of learning styles theories. Teaching of Psychology, 42(3), 266-271. https://ve42.co/Willingham