In the homeschooling world, many of us have heard about learning styles—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and even verbal or logical. It’s been a popular idea to think that if we match our teaching style to our child’s “learning style,” they’ll understand the material better and retain it longer. Many homeschoolers, myself included, have at least dabbled in this concept, hoping to unlock each child’s unique way of learning.
But here’s the surprising part: while it seems logical, research over the years shows there’s actually little scientific evidence to support the idea that tailoring education to a specific learning style improves outcomes. A comprehensive review of studies in educational psychology indicates that people learn best not by sticking to one mode but by engaging multiple senses (Pashler et al., 2008). For instance, visual learners can still benefit greatly from listening activities, while auditory learners gain insight from hands-on experiences. In fact, using a combination of methods has been shown to strengthen understanding and memory, regardless of the learner’s preference (Mayer, 2001).
Understanding Learning Preferences
At its essence, the theory of learning styles posits that individuals learn differently based on their unique preferences and capacities. This includes variations in how people absorb, process, and retain information. Recognizing these differences can potentially enhance educational experiences, as tailoring teaching methods to match students’ preferences may lead to better engagement and understanding.
Various models, such as the VARK model, categorize learning preferences into different modalities: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic (Fleming & Mills, 1992). These classifications suggest that students may benefit from specific instructional strategies aligned with their preferred styles. For example, visual learners might thrive with diagrams and charts, while kinesthetic learners may excel in hands-on activities.
My Personal Experience with Learning Styles
In my homeschool, I’ve definitely noticed certain preferences in my children. My oldest child seems to absorb more through visual materials—she loves colorful charts, diagrams, and illustrations, which seem to spark her curiosity and make things “click.” On the other hand, my youngest seems to have a stronger auditory preference. She responds better to verbal instructions, storytelling, and learning through conversation.
I, too, have my own learning preferences. I find that I gravitate toward visual learning styles, enjoying colorful charts and engaging diagrams. Reading can be a tough job for me due to my ADHD, but I embrace it, especially when I’m passionate about the topic. When I find something that truly interests me, I can’t put it down until I’ve finished! However, if a subject doesn’t spark my curiosity, no amount of external motivation can get me to engage with it.
Recognizing these tendencies in both myself and my children is helpful, but I’ve found that sticking strictly to one style limits both the learning experience and adaptability. Instead, I try to combine different approaches in our lessons. We might start with a visual aid when introducing a new concept, reinforce it with hands-on activities to solidify understanding, and then wrap up by talking through what we’ve learned. This way, I’m engaging multiple senses and making learning a more dynamic and memorable experience for both of them.
The Role of Cognitive Load
Understanding cognitive load is crucial when discussing learning styles. Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort being used in working memory. If learning experiences exceed this capacity, students may struggle to absorb information. Therefore, instructional methods that account for individual differences in cognitive load can be beneficial, especially in complex learning scenarios (Sweller, 1988).
The Benefits of a Blended Approach
Research aligns with what I’ve observed: using a mix of teaching methods that engage different senses tends to enhance learning outcomes. This approach not only deepens understanding but keeps learning interesting and flexible. Instead of forcing a lesson into one style, I focus on what works best for the content itself. For example, math might involve visuals and hands-on manipulatives, while history could blend storytelling with diagrams and maps. With this flexibility, learning becomes less rigid and more adaptable, allowing us to explore topics in ways that feel natural rather than forced.
From my experience, a blended approach doesn’t just cater to preferences but builds resilience in learning. My kids learn to absorb information in various forms, preparing them to tackle new subjects without needing everything presented in just one “ideal” way. Plus, this variety keeps our lessons lively and engaging, which is especially helpful for their focus and motivation.
The Importance of Engagement and Context
Engagement plays a pivotal role in the learning process. Students are more likely to absorb and retain information when they find it relevant and engaging. Real-world applications of abstract concepts can enhance understanding and foster a deeper connection to the material (Brusilovsky & Millán, 2007). For example, providing examples that relate to students’ lives can make learning more meaningful.
Additionally, attitudes and environmental factors significantly impact learning. An inclusive and supportive atmosphere encourages risk-taking and exploration, essential components of effective learning. Educators are encouraged to cultivate environments that celebrate diversity and allow students to express their individual learning preferences (Deci & Ryan, 2000).
What About You? Let’s Learn from Each Other!
I’d love to hear from other homeschooling parents—how do you approach learning styles in your homeschool? Do you find that using a mix of methods works best, or have you discovered other strategies that work well for your children’s unique learning needs? Share your experiences or tips in the comments below—let’s learn from each other and build a stronger homeschool community together!
References
- Brusilovsky, P., & Millán, E. (2007). User Modeling 2007: 11th International Conference on User Modeling. Berlin: Springer.
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
- Fleming, N. D., & Mills, C. (1992). Not Another Inventory, Rather a Catalyst for Learning. To Improve the Academy, 11(1), 137-144.
- Mayer, R. E. (2001). Multimedia Learning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R. (2008). Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 9(3), 105-119.
- Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257-285.
