It’s tempting to try to pin down one “perfect” way of learning. But it can also be dangerous.<\/p>
Everyone’s approach to learning is based on a complex mix of strengths and preferences. And we absorb and apply new concepts, skills and information in different ways at different times.<\/p>
So, however helpful it would be to find out how each of us does it “best,” there are many reasons why even asking the question is far from straightforward.<\/p>
After all, how<\/strong> we learn depends a great deal on what<\/strong> we’re learning. And our preferred learning techniques might not, in fact, be the most useful. Despite this, many scientists, psychologists and education experts have tried to identify distinct, innate “learning styles.”<\/p> But serious doubts have arisen about some of the most popular models \u2013 especially the ways in which they have been applied. There are even concerns that the “labels” they produce might actually limit<\/strong> people’s learning.<\/p> In this article, we look at how the key learning styles theories were developed, and explore their intentions and limitations. We also show why it’s still valuable to understand your personal approach to learning \u2013 even if there’s no single, “magic bullet” solution for any of us.<\/p>\n\n The notion that everyone has their own learning style became popular in the 1970s. It’s an attractive thought: if each of us could identify one, “ideal” approach to learning, we’d be able to focus on it \u2013 and be consistently successful.<\/p> What’s more, by understanding other people’s needs, we’d know how best to support them to learn. It could revolutionize education, training and L&D, and help all of us to reach our full potential as learners.<\/p> Before we explain why many experts now have little faith in learning styles, let’s explore how some of the original ideas came about.<\/p>What Are Learning Styles?<\/h2>\n\n