The Myth of Learning Styles

For years, students have been sold the idea of learning styles, which are auditory, visual, kinesthetic or reading and writing learners. Students were told they were born with one of three learning styles and that their academic success depends on studying in line with their personal learning style. This idea is comforting because it offers a simple explanation for why we struggle with certain tasks and a straightforward path to improvement. However, despite its popularity in schools and tutoring environments, the concept of fixed learning styles is largely a myth.

Research from Yale University has shown that there is no evidence that teaching to a person’s specified learning style results in better learning, and some students even perform better when taught in a way different from their self-identified learning style. Learning styles have oversimplified the learning process, assuming people learn best in a single way that can differ from task to task. On top of this, who is to say that people can only learn best in one specific learning style? Some people might learn best with a hybrid of learning styles. As such, learning styles try to compartmentalise people into different categories, which is inherently wrong, especially for something as subjective as how people learn.

On top of this, believing too strongly in learning styles can also limit growth when students label themselves, such as not being a reading person or being able to learn only by doing. This may cause them not to explore other techniques that may benefit them more. This self-imposed restriction can prevent them from developing a wider range of learning strategies. 

In conclusion, the myth of learning styles oversimplifies how the mind works. Instead of trying to fit ourselves into one category, we should focus on using diverse, evidence-based study strategies. Strong learners are flexible learners and do not confine themselves to the construct of learning styles. 

Written by: Jovan Chow

01/2026

References

Bay Atlantic University. (2025, July 15). 8 Types of Learning Styles | The Definitive guide. Bay Atlantic University - Washington, D.C. https://bau.edu/blog/types-of-learning-styles/

Learning styles as a myth. (n.d.). Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning. https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/teaching/teaching-resource-library/learning-styles-as-a-myth