Mrs. Turner has been using a learning styles inventory in her ninth grade English class. She gives students the inventory, tells them to identify their learning style, and instructs them to use their dominant learning style when they study and complete assignments. She groups students according to learning styles for some assignments and tries to teach to their learning styles

Question

What seems to be lacking in Mrs. Turner's knowledge of learning styles? If she were informed, what might she do differently in her teaching?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Suggested Response: Mrs. Turner may not be aware that the learning styles inventories are not based on valid and reliable research. She needs to be aware that teaching to learning styles has not been shown to improve learning. Students need to be able to learn in different ways rather than trying to strengthen one style or modality and reject others.
When Mrs. Turner learns accurate information about learning styles and the evidence from research, she will probably discontinue her use of the inventory and group instruction based on learning styles. She will do well to use various representations as she presents information. She will also do well to use multiple modalities as she teaches. Students are likely to benefit from hearing, reading, seeing demonstrations and illustrations, and doing something engaging with material.
Text Reference: Learning and Thinking Styles