Myth Debunked

Have your teachers tried to convince you that there’s a learning method specifically designed for you? There is a common belief that there are 4 main styles of learning, visual learning style, auditory learning style, kinesthetic learning style, and reading/writing. 

Different Types of Learners

Visual learners prefer to take in their information visually, with maps, graphs, diagrams, charts, etc. Auditory learners are individuals who learn best when they hear the information when it is heard or spoken. They’re used to organizing their ideas after speaking, rather than thinking ideas through before. Kinesthetic learners prefer to learn by doing. They like a hands-on experience. They are usually more connected to reality, according to psychologists, which is why they require using tactile experience to understand something better. Reading/writing learners consume information best when it’s in words, by writing it down or reading it. Text is more important and useful than any kind of visual or auditory demonstration of a concept. These individuals usually perform very well on written assignments and tests. 

Does Science Agree?

Does science actually prove this concept of people learning better one way than another? Unfortunately, the answer is no, according to a major report published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. You might feel like you learn better one way than another, like preferring to take handwritten notes rather than just listening, but there are several other factors that go into this. 

Just Doesn't Add Up

Several of the methods overlap, for example, kinesthetic covers all of the categories. Psychological research has not found that people learn differently, at least not in the ways learning styles claim. Some psychologists and scientists that have studied this concept, argue that the currently widespread use of learning-style tests and teaching tools is a wasteful use of limited educational resources.