Learning Style

Learning style is a term used to portray individual differences in the way that people prefer to learn. Learning styles are typical patterns individuals use to process information or approach learning situations. These learning style preferences are thought to occur naturally. According to learning style theory, when an individual's learning preferences are met, the individual learns more easily and effectively. There are more than 70 theories and models of learning styles. Each model describes how particular kinds of individual differences influence learning. However, the kinds of individual differences and the ways that these differences influence learning vary considerably among theories. Although it is not possible or useful to summarize all theories, a few models that are frequently cited and described in the learning style literature are overviewed here and used as examples. Cautions and guidelines for using learning style information will also be discussed.