No, you’re not a “visual”, “auditory”, or “kinesthetic” learner

Before I begin, sorry for the lengthiness of this post. I’m a high school English teacher. One of the most common things I hear from students is that they’re a “visual” or “kinesthetic” learner. I’ve been told this so many times that I decided to look into it, and the results were shocking. In essence, there is no science to back it up. <br><br>“Why It’s So Hard to Get Smart,” an article in Harvard Business Review, states that the idea of learning styles is a belief popularized in the 1980s. The article states: “The idea is that everyone has a primary way of processing information,” and that “To find the best way to learn, test what works best for you.” I have tried to find some studies surrounding this, but they chiefly debunk the idea of learning styles.<br><br>Another article from Penn State Health puts it simply: “Science does not back up idea of learning styles,” the title of the article states. In essence, the concept of learning styles is simply a myth, and that everybody can learn the same way. The article also shows that “a 2017 study by the Association for Psychological Science showed that students performed better when instructed in the style that fit the subject they were learning rather than their preferred style.” <br><br>So, the next time you’re tempted to say “I’m a visual learner,” know that it’s not an accurate statement. Also, the next time you’re about to ask your teacher to provide some learning style accommodations, know that it will not help you. If you’re having trouble, talk to your teacher; they should be able to help you. And if you’re having trouble learning something, put in the effort. Read through the textbook, watch a crash course video or a Khan Academy video, read sparknotes, watch a movie, ask your teacher for individualized attention, etc. Don’t just assume that you’re a “different learner.” <br><br>In summary, it’s best to just put in effort. If you ask your teacher to make accommodations for you because of your learning style, it’s not going to help you. Just put in the effort. Read the textbook, watch a movie, read sparknotes, ask your teacher questions, etc. Don’t just blame it on your learning style. It’s not real.<br><br>Edit: This is a repost due to a mod removing it, saying it was against the rules to post this. If anyone knows any rules against this, please let me know. <br><br>Edit: If you’re wondering why I’m posting this here, I'm also a student. I know that this sub isn't dedicated to teaching, but I thought that this knowledge would be beneficial to the community. In essence, it's for students.