Part of the problem is (as usual) definition.
When people talk about learning styles (often their own), they talk
as if these were immutable characteristics (i.e., genetic) rather
than (simply) a set of learned skills.
I have no problem with the latter interpretation as long as people
acknowledge that a lack of ability to learn from books can be
overcome, rather than being an excuse for compensating with some
other learning method that is usually less efficient.
On Mar 29, 2009, at 7:03 AM, Michael Britt wrote:
Please excuse the promotion, but I think this is a topic of broad
interest. Dr. Dan Willingham, author of "Why Don't Children Like
School" discusses the idea of learning styles in the latest episode of
my podcast and he does a great job of clarifying what we think is true
from what the research shows. Specifically, he explains his view
that:
1) students do not have learning styles
2) attempting to match a teaching method with a student's supposed
learning style is fruitless
3) there are some interesting explanations for why we continue to
think that learning styles exist (confirmation bias is one)
I've had many a student enthusiastically write a paper about learning
styles and I have to admit that I was a believer up until recently.
This is, I think, an interesting interview and a good basis for a
discussion on critical thinking.
Here's the link:
http://www.thepsychfiles.com/2009/03/29/episode-90-the-learning-
styles-myth-an-interview-with-daniel-willingham/
Paul Brandon
Emeritus Professor of Psychology
Minnesota State University, Mankato
[email protected]
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