Introduction
Learning styles theory says that different people absorb information in different ways. One of the most well-known models within this theory is Neil Fleming’s VARK model. Humans learn in four ways: visually, aurally, textually, and kinesthetically, abbreviated as VARK. Based on this perspective, people may choose one or more of these tactics (Kamal et al., 2021). Charts, diagrams, and other visual aids are the most effective ways to transmit information to persons who learn best visually. Auditory learners thrive in contexts incorporating spoken language, such as classroom discussions or lectures. Students who are good readers and writers benefit the most from textbooks and notebooks containing written information. On the other hand, hands-on learning and physical activities are the most effective means of education for kinesthetic learners.
Another vital hypothesis is Multiple Intelligences, initially postulated by Howard Gardner and extends our understanding of intelligence beyond IQ testing. Gardner proposed many intelligences, including linguistic, spatial, kinesthetic, intrapersonal, logical-mathematical, musical, and naturalistic intelligences (Cabual, 2021). According to this hypothesis, an individual’s talents in one or more of these intelligences may influence their preferred learning techniques. While those with spatial solid reasoning intelligence may benefit more from visual learning approaches, those with high kinesthetic intelligence may gain more from an interactive, hands-on setting. According to the Learning Styles Theory, recognizing and adapting these individual variances in educational environments is critical to improving the overall efficacy of teaching and learning.
The Impact of Learning Styles
According to the Learning Styles Theory, education may be more successful if teachers take the time to understand each of their students’ distinct learning styles. Consider a child who benefits from visual aids in the classroom (Cabual, 2021). Visual aids, such as videos, photographs, and charts, might be beneficial to this person in understanding the topic. If one is a visual learner, utilizing vivid images to explain topics such as cellular functions or anatomical structures improves the effectiveness of biology presentation (Cabual, 2021). Teachers who adapt their teaching approaches to suit various learning styles may create a more varied and successful learning environment.
Consider a child who excels at learning via hands-on activities. Practical, hands-on activities are the most effective way to assist this kind of learner understand abstract ideas. For example, the kinesthetic learner may be more engaged if a physics course includes experiments or interactive simulations in addition to the conventional lecture and textbook approaches (Cabual, 2021). They learn best when allowed to engage with physical items, such as doing experiments, seeing demonstrations, and making their discoveries. More students may achieve higher academic achievements when teachers try to understand and adapt each student’s unique learning style.
Limitations and Strengths
The Learning Styles Theory, which proposes that people absorb information differently and have distinct preferences, has strengths and limitations. Its strength is its special attention to different learner types and their preferred teaching methods. Teachers who consider that different individuals learn differently, whether visually, audibly, or through movement, will be better equipped to meet the requirements of their students (Rinesko, 2021). The personalized approach may enhance engagement and comprehension, improving learning results. Furthermore, encouraging people to identify differences with others may lead to a more inclusive classroom.
The Learning Styles Theory, on the other hand, has criticism and limitations. One major critique is that the current evidence does not adequately support the notion. There is no hard evidence to support the widely held idea that adapting lessons to each student’s unique learning style increases academic accomplishment (Boysen, 2021). Some argue that the current learning paradigm needs to be revised because it oversimplifies people’s complicated cognitive processes into several categories. It is also risky to emphasize learning styles and classify people statically since people’s learning preferences and aptitudes change with time. As a result, although the theory provides a valuable framework for understanding various learning preferences, educators should exercise care when using it. Instead, they should consider taking a more rigorous and evidence-based approach to lesson planning.
Summary and Conclusion
Models such as VARK and Multiple Intelligences demonstrate the Learning Styles Theory, which says people have diverse preferences for acquiring information. This hypothesis might be utilized to improve the effectiveness of teaching sessions. Teachers must identify and deal with students who learn in various ways, including kinesthetic, visual, auditory, and reading/writing. This article emphasizes the importance of respecting individual preferences and the impact of learning styles with examples of how various techniques help different learners. Researchers in this discipline use techniques such as VARK analysis, questionnaires, literature reviews, and qualitative analysis to analyze and compare diverse learning styles. Although the concept encourages an inclusive and tailored approach to education, critics claim it needs a more scientific basis and risks oversimplifying complex cognitive processes. The conclusion admits that people’s preferences change over time and recommends educators use learning styles theory with care in the classroom. They should also incorporate ideas from learning styles theory into a more rigorous, research-based approach to lesson design.
References
Boysen, G. A. (2021). Lessons (not) learned: The troubling similarities between learning styles and universal learning design. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-57881-001
Cabual, R. A. (2021). Learning styles and preferred learning modalities in the new normal. Open Access Library Journal, 8(4), 1-14. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=108297
Kamal, I., Karim, M. K. A., Awang Kechik, M. M., Ni, X., & Razak, H. R. A. (2021). Evaluation of Healthcare Science Student Learning Styles Based VARK Analysis Technique. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 10(1), 255-261. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1285701
Rinekso, A. B. (2021). Pros and cons of learning style: An implication for English language teachers. Acuity: Journal of English Language Pedagogy, Literature and Culture, 6(1), 12-23. https://jurnal.unai.edu/index.php/acuity/article/view/2396
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