Snake Oil, Magic Beans, and Learning Styles: Where is the evidence for what teacher educators are selling?

Speaker: Dr John ROGERS

The term “learning style” refers to the widespread belief that individuals differ with regard to the mode of instruction that is most effective for them. However, there is little scientific basis to support this belief (e.g., Kirschner, 2019; Pashler et al., 2009; Rohrer & Pashler, 2012; etc.). In a potentially polarizing talk, I will argue that there is no evidence that a) learning styles represent a scientifically viable concept; b) that the available empirical evidence suggests that catering to students’ perceived learning style is detrimental, rather than beneficial, for learning; and c) that evidence-based teacher education programs should reconsider the inclusion of “learning styles” as part of their curricul