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Learning Styles Debate?
Posted on December 5, 2009 by Jason in EDUAfter reading Learning Styles theory at controversy? by Victor Hugo Rojas, I was surprised that there is such debate on Learning Styles. Even to the point where some are calling it racism. I believe education is going to change radically in terms of teaching to the individual and not mass producing industrial age, standardized workers. Not only will learning styles be at the forefront of this movement, it may, dare I say, be the tool that helps us individualize information for learning. The only other concept I can foresee being more relevant would be physiological and psychological brain research that is happening in terms of education and how we learn. And really, these go hand-in-hand. We need to teach to the whole person and we are all unique. Diversifying our instruction goes a long way in communicating with and educating our students.
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Personally the debate doesn’t surprise me all that much as I’m sure many of the opponents are those most opposed to change. The current system works in their mind, so why try to fix it? However, I was confused about the racism issue that they brought up. I’ve seen people of differing learning styles from all races, creeds, religions, nationalities, and both genders. Perhaps if more research was done there may be some statistical evidence that would support that, but in my experience, that argument just doesn’t hold much water. I can only hope that our education system undergoes a radical change over the coming years as the current system is already showing it’s many flaws.
Scott
Amen Scott! (In regards to our education system undergoing a radical change!)
Hi Jason, I really like and agree with your post. I feel that through exploring learning styles, one grows attentive of how each person’s brain learns, which shouldn’t lead to controversy. Information regarding style can help faculty become more responsive to the disparities students bring to the classroom. It can also work as a conductor in planning learning experiences that complement or mismatch students’ styles, depending on the teacher’s objective. Complementing is predominantly fitting in working with unsuccessfully prepared students and with new college students, as the most attrition happens in those situations. Some studies demonstrate that classifying a student’s style and then offering instruction reliable with that style add to more efficient learning.
Very nicely said Cheyna. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and expertise! I like your term “conductor” as it relates to using appropriate learning styles. I can just see the spark happen when you can relate to your students!