If you’ve ever heard someone say, “I’m a visual learner” or “My child learns best by doing,” you’re familiar with the concept of learning style myths. While these ideas are widespread in education—with research showing 80-95% of people believing in learning styles—recent studies reveal that this popular belief may actually be holding students back rather than helping them succeed.
What Research Says About Learning Styles
The learning styles theory suggests that some children learn better through seeing (visual learners), others through hearing (auditory learners), and still others through physical activities (kinesthetic learners). However, research has consistently debunked this belief.
A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that “more than 90 percent of people believe people learn better if they are taught in their predominant learning style.” However, as lead researcher Dr. Shaylene Nancekivell explains, “Many parents and educators may be wasting time and money on products, services, and teaching methods that are geared toward learning styles.”
In fact, cognitive psychologists Doug Rohrer and Hal Pashler note in their research review: “It does indeed make sense to speak of students who, in comparison with their peers, have poor visual-spatial ability and strong verbal ability, but this does not imply that such students will learn anatomy better if their textbook has few diagrams.”
Why Learning Style Labels Can Be Harmful
According to cognitive scientist Dr. Daniel Willingham, when we label children as certain types of learners, several problems can arise:
- Students may avoid effective learning strategies that don’t match their perceived style
- They might skip entire subjects they believe don’t align with their learning style
- They often try to process information in their preferred style, even when it’s not the most effective approach for the specific content
For example, a child labeled as an “auditory learner” might avoid reading practice because they believe they can only learn effectively by listening. As Dr. Willingham explains, this self-imposed limitation can significantly impact their overall literacy development.
What Really Works: Evidence-Based Learning Approaches
Instead of focusing on learning styles, research supports several proven approaches:
1. Systematic, Explicit Instruction
As demonstrated in multiple studies cited by the National Reading Panel, systematic and explicit instruction proves most effective across various learning domains. This aligns with what we know about effective phonics instruction, where research consistently shows that systematic, explicit teaching leads to better outcomes.
2. Multi-Modal Learning
Dr. Richard Mayer’s research on multimedia learning demonstrates that students learn better when information is presented through multiple channels—not because of individual learning styles, but because multiple representations help all students learn more effectively. His studies show that combining visual and verbal information helps students build better mental models of the content.
3. Individual Pacing and Support
A 2020 study in Frontiers in Psychology by Rogowsky, Calhoun, and Tallal found that “providing instruction based on students’ learning style preferences does not improve learning.” Instead, the researchers recommend focusing on:
- Current skill level
- Previous knowledge and experience
- Areas needing additional practice
- Specific learning challenges or strengths
Support Your Child’s Learning Journey
Here are research-backed ways to help your child succeed:
Focus on Evidence-Based Practices
Dr. Paul Kirschner emphasizes in his 2017 research that instead of focusing on learning styles, parents should:
- Choose educational programs with proven effectiveness
- Look for systematic approaches to skill development
- Support regular practice in essential skills like reading and math
Encourage Multiple Learning Methods
Some students may perform better when methods are taught that are different from their preferred “learning style.” This suggests we should:
- Expose children to various ways of learning
- Avoid limiting activities based on perceived learning styles
- Celebrate engagement with different types of learning experiences
Move Forward with Better Understanding of Learning Style Myths
While learning style myths may seem like an intuitive way to understand how children learn, the science points us toward more meaningful differences that actually impact education. Instead of categorizing children into visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners, research shows we should focus on what truly matters: their current knowledge and skills, individual interests, motivation to learn, and specific areas where they might need extra support.
As educators and parents, our goal isn’t to limit children to one way of learning, but to help them engage with information in multiple ways, building their abilities across all learning methods. By moving beyond the learning styles myth, we can better support children’s natural curiosity and help them develop the full range of skills they need for academic success.
For more evidence-based educational insights and resources, explore our other articles at Phonics.org, where we’re committed to sharing research-backed strategies for supporting your child’s learning journey.
