Do learning styles really exist?

The idea of learning styles is widespread throughout the field of pedagogy and people are often categorized according to their learning style. However, in scientific research, there has been no credible evidence that supports the existence of learning styles. This video defines learning styles theory, talks about some previous research in the field of pedagogy and explains why there is no true basis behind the idea of learning styles. In addition, Dr. Joseph Kim, an Associate Professor of psychology, neuroscience and behaviour at McMaster University, speaks about the non-existence of learning styles.

This video is provided for general and educational information only. Please consult your health care provider for Information about your health.

This video was created by McMaster University students interested in education and knowledge translation: Dana Abu-Jazar, Ana Kovacevic, Amber Kayed, Jasleen Khaira, Babak Nouhi, Simranpal Dhanju, Ria Oommen, and Nisha Gajaria in collaboration with the McMaster Demystifying Medicine Program.

Copyright McMaster University 2014

References:

Kratzig, Gregory, and Katherine Arbuthnott. "Perceptual Learning Style and Learning Proficiency: A Test of the Hypothesis." Journal of Educational Psychology (2006).

Salomon, Gavriel. "Television Is "easy" and Print Is "tough": The Differential Investment of Mental Effort in Learning as a Function of Perceptions and Attributions." Journal of Educational Psychology 76.4 (1984).

[donggunkim]

I actually learn the best when I combine all three learning styles... I watch a video and listen to the speaker and repeat what the speaker says out loud and write them down.

[kileeimada]

I totally agree I honestly think it depends on subject being taught and which learning style fits the lesson best.

[gracepearson]

Finally I found this
It bugs me so much when people go on about different learning styles

[regenerativeryan]

This is part of and Early Childhood Coaching program in Colorado. I have been an educator for 20+ years and have a MS in Ecological Teaching and Learning. I liked the challenge that this research and video puts forth and it has helped me see differently. Thank you.

[joshmckiterick]

The purpose of the 'learning styles model' is too ensure trainers are more flexible when they present content in as many modes as possible. Get people inspired, give them succinct information, let them experience it - discuss and generalise.

Unfortunately, many people have an obsessive compulsion to diagnose themselves and others as 'one or the other' which is the antithesis of this and almost every other pedagogical model/theory. Everyone does all of these all the time and all of them are necessary to provide a holistic learning experience.

Flexibility!!!

[MrFossilabgfyth]

This was a big blow! I consider myself a visual person, which is true.
But I guess we do all learn differently, and we all have the potential to use our brains for audio, visuals and hands-on-activities.

[bevbo]

Fantastic video!  I'm just embarking on a Masters of Primary teaching and one of my first assignments is to write a paper on Learning Styles.  It is really fascinating to know that there is no solid evidence to support the existence of learning styles.  Maybe my paper won't be the positive report on Learning Styles my lecturer expects!!  Thanks again for the great video.

[petitio_principii]

There's also this illusion of learning, confused by short-term fluency in the blocking versus interleaving dichotomy. People believe they have better results with blocking, from the cognitive ease it gives after a time, but the results are in the opposite direction, specially for long-term retrieval.

[GoodNewsForStrangers]

While I agree with this, people shouldn't take in the idea that learning information mentally doesn't have have styles. For example, You could give me the information in a picture or writing and I will learn them both equally with no problems but the key point is that I visualise them in my head. So it doesn't matter on the style is which it is taught to me.

[kevinmai]

the idea behind learning styles is there's one that's dominant. just like how you VISUALLY drew your presentation for us.

[cookama]

I was hoping you might present a "solution". For example, I flip the learning style in my class to be an assessment style, which is often not an option. I find that audio learners would prefer to talk about their learning with me or others than to write about it. This is a better way for me to assess their learning, versus forcing them to sit still and write it out or answer questions on a test. I agree that learning style is not really the right focus, but I'm curious if my assessment style hypothesis is also not rooted in science...

[jadensoular]

Mr.Baker loved this video! He says thanks!

[Attraction]

Two studies are not enough to proof that learning styles are harmful. So based on the info you've presented we have no evidence either to backup your pov or to backup the learning styles model

[irisnereidariosramos]

Teaching style is must important than learning style. This is a challenge for todays teachers. Teachers have to learn the power to teach all kinds of students. Teach is a special art but all teacher dont have it.

[teachinmhim]

The first study did not have a good control. It introduced three learning modalities at once and then claimed that as evidence against a dominant learning modality. There is evidence that we all have a dominant learning style. More than for decades of research shows that a combination of learning modalities improves learning speed and lessens the amount of review needed to master a concept. The aforementioned study study shows that the use of three primary learning styles improves retention, but it does not disprove the existence of a dominant learning style.

This video begins with faulty logic.

[ryanmercer]

Still used on interview questions to score points, so Ill play along for now

[zianikhaireddine]

I am just wondering if there exists any relation between learning styles, multiple intelligences and thinking in the learning process???

[deedeemcgovern]

it is not to make better grades but to graduate text book learning so we a true lifelong learner can can do presentations in the work place or visually take our time to see words in a book and absorb our learning in our personal study nooks this is why we graduate school. but yes we do learn with our whole brain. yet school learning in past taught only half brain material

[J-MAN]

the research you provided did not prove that learning styles are a myth. If a study uses learning styles and then tests those students and they fail, the reason could be that the formulated curriculum for that learning style was flawed.

[elinaoberemok]

Great video, thanks a lot for this :)