The term “learning styles” speaks to the understanding that every student learns differently.

Technically, an individual’s learning style refers to the preferential way in which the student
absorbs, processes, comprehends and retains information. For example, when learning how to
build a clock, some students understand the process by following verbal instructions, while
others have to physically manipulate the clock themselves. This notion of individualized learning
styles has gained widespread recognition in education theory and classroom management
strategy. Individual learning styles depend on cognitive, emotional and environmental factors, as
well as one’s prior experience. In other words: everyone’s different. It is important for educators
to understand the differences in their students’ learning styles, so that they can implement best
practice strategies into their daily activities, curriculum and assessments. Many degree
programs, specifically higher level ones like a doctorate of education, integrate different learning
styles and educational obstacles directly into program curriculum.

Overview of Learning Styles

Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and
techniques. Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix
of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning,
with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in
different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can
develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you
already use well.
Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and
techniques. Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix
of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning,
with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in
different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can
develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you
already use well.
Definition of Learning Styles
You have probably noticed that when you try to learn something new you prefer to learn by listening to
someone talk to you about the information. Or perhaps you prefer to read about a concept to learn it, or
maybe see a demonstration.

Learning styles can be defined, classified, and identified in many different way. Generally, they are
overall patterns that provide direction to learning and teaching. Learning style can also be described as a
set of factors, behaviors, and attitudes that facilitate learning for an individual in a given situation.

Styles influence how students learn, how teachers teach, and how the two interact. Each person is born
with certain tendencies toward particular styles, but these biological or inherited characteristics are
influenced by culture, personal experiences, maturity level, and development. Style can be considered a
“contextual” variable or construct because what the learner brings to the learning experience is as much a
part of the context as are the important features of the experience itself.

Each learner has distinct and consistent preferred ways of perception, organization and retention. These
learning styles are characteristic cognitive, affective, and physiological behaviors that serve as pretty
good indicators of how learners perceive, interact with, and respond to the learning environment.

Students learn differently from each other and it has been determined that brain structure influences
language structure acquisition. It has also been shown that different hemispheres of the brain contain
different perception avenues. Some researchers claim that several types of cells present in some brains
are not present in others.

Learning styles refer to a range of competing and contested theories that aim to account for
differences in individuals' learning.[1] These theories propose that all people can be classified
according to their 'style' of learning, although the various theories present differing views on how the
styles should be defined and categorized.[1]:8 A common concept is that individuals differ in how they
learn.[2]:266
The idea of individualized learning styles became popular in the 1970s,[3] and has greatly
influenced education despite the criticism that the idea has received from some researchers.[4]:107–
108
Proponents recommend that teachers assess the learning styles of their students and adapt their
classroom methods to best fit each student's learning style.[5]Although there is ample evidence that
individuals express preferences for how they prefer to receive information,[4]:108 few studies have
found any validity in using learning styles in education.[2]:267 Critics say there is no consistent evidence
that identifying an individual student's learning style, and teaching for specific learning styles,
produces better student outcomes.[4][6]:33 There is evidence of empirical and pedagogical problems
related to forcing learning tasks to "correspond to differences in a one-to-one fashion".[7] Well-
designed studies contradict the widespread "meshing hypothesis" that a student will learn best if
taught in a method deemed appropriate for the student's learning style.[4] They further show that
teachers cannot assess the learning style of their students accurately.[8]