A recent study by Lodge, Hansen, and Cottrell (2016) was brought to the attention of the author of this commentary and motivated her to communicate this rebuttal regarding some of the suggested conclusions. The negative results for certain students of changing current classroom practices which have been noticeably successful for them in improving…

Looks at the various ideas related to learning styles and how they relate to our concepts of schooling. (JOW)

This paper addresses many theories of learning and human development which are very similar with regards as to how they suggest learning occurs. The differences in most of the theories exist in how they treat the development of the learner compared to methods of teaching. Most of the major learning theories taught to educators today are based on…

Procedures for identifying learning styles are described and possible cultural influences on learning styles are noted. Practical guidelines for instructional placement are suggested. (Author/DB)

Summarizes research findings on relationships among modality strengths, learning, and personal characteristics. (Author/MLF)

Educators have three approaches to learning styles: focusing on the individual, using comprehensive models to adapt instruction to major learning differences, and identifying key elements of an individual's learning style and matching instruction and materials to these differences. One controversial aspect of learning styles is the use of…

The article critiques a 1987 (Kavale and Forness) meta-analysis which concluded that research does not support modality-based instruction. The study is faulted for its selection criteria as well as its failure to consider demographic differences, achievement level differences, multiplicity of preferences, definitions of terms, effect-size…

This response to Dunn (EC 221 793) reaffirms the conclusions of a meta analysis on modality-based instruction, through elaboration of the study's selection criteria and methodological factors. Although modality-based instruction is seen to be intuitively appealing, educators are encouraged, instead, to apply instructional methods of proven…

Learners' preferred perceptual modalities--the means through which they obtain information--need to be considered in instruction design. Two strategies to individualize instruction are a multisensory approach and point-of-intervention approach. (SK)

Presents factors to consider in selecting learning style assessment instruments and classifies 20 instruments according to these criteria. (SK)

Argues that teachers who manage their classrooms around learning style instruction are engaging in a practice of debatable value. Notes a lack of supportive research and the questionable reliability and validity of learning style inventories. Suggests that confusion over learning style instruction is magnified by the limitations inherent in the…

Computer programers need to understand educational theory about how children learn in order to devise software that will incorporate a multisensory approach for students' unique learning styles. (CL)

A continuation of the exploration of the various ways that knowledge and insight are achieved. Explains that even instruction in basic skills can benefit from this appreciation. Provides descriptions of classroom activities that demonstrate how the various modes of knowing can be used for conceptual exploration. (FL)

A teacher reports on helpful advice she received from a colleague when she started teaching: to teach students in the cognitive mode in which they learn best (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, or tactile). (TE)

Describes the four types of learning modalities (kinesthetic, tactual, auditory, and visual) and provides suggestions for adapting teaching styles. (SK)