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Forget learning styles and consider Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

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The belief that teachers should design instructional activities that correspond to the specific learning style of each student has flourished in schools for decades. For teachers, this approach seems to be an easy solution to the differentiation of instruction. Many parents like this approach as they feel the individual needs of their children are addressed. This is also a perfect excuse for students’ poor class participation and performance when teachers do not teach to their preferred learning style. This approach seems to make sense intuitively; it is not proven empirically. Research did not find optimal learning occurred with this “meshing hypothesis” (Pashler, McDaniel, Rohrer & Bjork, 2009).

Human being is unique. Each student has their own needs and approach to learning. Obviously, learning styles are not the only way that students differ. Building the student profiles based on one factor can prevent teachers from acknowledging the diversity of the student population, thus failing to address it. Having a fixed mindset about one preferred learning style can hinder students from going wide and exploring all their “intelligences” to improve themselves.

Universal Design for Learning

Instead of depending on the theory of learning styles, UDL approach can be employed to tailor the curriculum to address the broad range of skills, aptitudes, talents, needs, strengths, challenges, interests, and aspirations that students bring to the classroom.

UDL is a research-based set of principles that allows teachers to design, implement and evaluate accessible and effective learning experiences for all. This accessibility is achieved through alternate representations, expression and engagement. Students of different learning preferences can all acquire information, demonstrate what they know and engage in class activities through the multiple means provided. This reduces the need and time to arrange individual accommodations and support a more diverse student population. Instead of shoveling the stairs to benefit a certain group, why not prepare a ramp that benefit all?


Comments

  1. CorinneApril 3, 2021 at 1:40 PM

    Yes! What a great way to pivot away from learning styles and toward something else that can more productively and more effectively address the needs of diverse learners. Thank you for making this argument!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Michelle BiglerApril 4, 2021 at 2:24 PM

    The comic you chose to include is SO powerful! It really illustrates a change in mindset that we as an educational system need to embrace!

    ReplyDelete

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