Do learning styles actually matter? (logic, exam, science, teaching)

[jps-teacher]

http://www.psychologicalscience.org/...i/PSPI_9_3.pdf

This pdf is an interesting (though technical) exploration of the theory that learning styles have merit as a consideration in teaching. In reading it, I found that the assumptions underlying it of what was considered 'unacceptable evidence' was inappropriate - for example, it made the assumption that if people who learn in Style A do the same with Teaching Methods 1 or 2, that when people who learn in Style B have sharply disparate results between those two methods, this is not 'acceptable evidence,' and I think that's just wrong.

Regardless, I think the paper is worth a patient read - if only because I expect it will be at the core of future debates on the topic.

[StarlaJane]

I was a language teacher and actually wrote a paper on learning styles in foreign language learning. I definitely think that learning styles affect foreign language learning.
I took some of the tests myself and found them to be very accurate, albeit generalized.
VARK -- A Guide to Learning Styles
There is also a very good book called Styles and Strategies-Based Instruction: A Teacher's Guide that is worth a read.

[Sandpointian]

What ultimately matters is not the learning style per se, but the learning style in conjunction with the style and and pedagogy of the instructor (or source).

The best example is an athlete and a coach. Successful coaches in one place, fail in another, despite taking the same approach. Likewise, some athletes blossom under a new coach.

Put in other terms, if some students need a kick in the pants, then for the teacher to nail to deliver, then that child will not learn. For others who need to be inspired and challenged, a neandrathal "old school" teacher will dampen the learning experience.

S.