Effects of Teaching According to Student Learning Style

Literature Review: The Effectiveness of Teaching According to Student Learning Styles
In the Classroom
Jenna Scifo
Liberty University

Abstract
In the last 20-30 years, learning styles has been a heavily debated topic in the field of education. Many teachers and schools have adopted the learning style approach into their classrooms. The idea of teaching students according to their preferred learning style is attracting to many, yet some believe it is another generalized theory that has little or no validity. Research over time has investigated the implications of using the learning style theory in classrooms and in the work place. Much of the research that has been conducted thus far show positive results of its effectiveness. Many elements play a role in teaching effectively. This literature review discusses the effectiveness of teaching according to learning style, the criticism of learning style theories, and the different aspects that affect the learning style theory.
Keywords: learning styles, multi-modalities, multiple intelligences, learning processes, learning theories

Introduction Every person has a preferred style in which they learn. This is called learning style or is also referred to as multiple intelligences. Most educators agree that the level of learning achieved by a learner is one of the most important factors that determine the success of a learning environment (Yilmaz-Soylu & Akkoyunlu, 2009). Traditionally, most students are taught the same material in the same manner. Often times teaching is through direct instruction, seat work and students learn mostly from listening and observing. The trend of student-centered teaching has become more common in classrooms for the last 10 years. Teachers have generally reported learning success when teaching and learning is more student-centered or student directed. “Tailoring teaching to individual needs” seems to be the norm in today’s classroom (Allcock & Hulme, 2010).

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