Differences in Learning Styles

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Title: Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence. Authors: Pashler, Harold1 hpashler@ucsd.edu McDaniel, Mark2 Rohrer, Doug3 Bjork, Robert4 Source: Psychological Science in the Public Interest (Wiley-Blackwell). Dec2008, Vol. 9 Issue 3, p105-119. 15p. 2 Graphs. Document Type: Article Subject Terms: *UNIVERSITIES & colleges LEARNING EDUCATION HYPOTHESIS GRADUATE work EDUCATORS NAICS/Industry Codes: 611699 All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction 923110 Administration of Education Programs 611710 Educational Support Services Abstract: The term “learning styles” refers to the concept that individuals differ in regard to what mode of instruction or study is most effective for them. Proponents of learning-style assessment contend that optimal instruction requires diagnosing individuals' learning style and tailoring instruction accordingly. Assessments of learning style typically ask people to evaluate what sort of information presentation they prefer (e.g., words versus pictures versus speech) and/or what kind of mental activity they find most engaging or congenial (e.g., analysis versus listening), although assessment instruments are extremely diverse. The most common—but not the only—hypothesis about the instructional relevance of learning styles is the meshing hypothesis, according to which instruction is best provided in a format that matches the preferences of the learner (e.g., for a “visual learner,” emphasizing visual presentation of information). The learning-styles view has acquired great influence within the education field, and is frequently encountered at levels ranging from kindergarten to graduate school. There is a thriving industry devoted to publishing learning-styles tests and guidebooks for teachers, and many organizations offer professional development workshops for teachers and educators built around the
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