Dylan Wiliam comments on the theory of 'Learning Styles'

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Dylan Wiliam comments on the theory of 'Learning Styles'

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Dylan Wiliam writes about the evidence behind the theory of teaching according to learners' 'Learning Styles' via the 'Deans for Impact' blog:
Learning styles: what does the research say?

By Dylan Wiliam

http://deansforimpact.org/post_Learning ... h_say.html

Attempting to synthesize such a large and complex body of research is almost certainly a fool’s errand, but it seems to me that the important “takeaway” from the research on learning styles is that teachers need to know about learning styles if only to avoid the trap of teaching in the style they believe works best for them. As long as teachers are varying their teaching style, then it is likely that all students will get some experience of being in their comfort zone and some experience of being pushed beyond it. Ultimately, we have to remember that teaching is interesting because our students are so different, but only possible because they are so similar. Of course each of our students is a unique individual, but it is extraordinary how effective well-planned group instruction can be.
Do read the whole post.

What springs to my mind is the point that Sir Jim Rose made in his 2006 independent national review of teaching children to read - that it is the SAME alphabetic code and phonics skills that learners need to be taught, and learn, regardless of their individuality.
Debbie Hepplewhite
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