Learning Styles theory at controversy?

Do you think that surveys, tests, and inventories that are given to figure out our students' learning style are not always reliable or objective? To assess learning styles on a large scale is time-consuming? Do teachers do informal assessments with students about different interests, strengths, and weaknesses? How do they apply all of these preferences to their daily lessons? Assessing learning styles on a large scale is not practical for most of us, educators? There has been a great deal of talk about learning styles, pros and cons views, and the same controversies surrounding the whole issue will persist. Some educators have been condemned as racist, and others have defended it as a valuable teaching tool. Concerning this debate, Susan A. Santo (2007) remarks: "A learning style is an individual's preferred way of learning. When an instructor's style matches a student's learning style, that student typically experiences greater satisfaction and a more positive attitude toward the course. However, there is considerable disagreement as to what degree learning styles actually affect a student's ability to do well. Another area of controversy is regarding what the different learning styles are or what they should be called. There is no currently existing holistic theory of learning styles; rather, there are bits and pieces. In fact, what some call learning styles, others have labeled as cognitive controls, cognitive styles, or personality. For the sake of simplicity, we will use the term "learning styles." If we assume that individual learning styles do exist and can be measured, there is disagreement about what the instructor should do about it!" Besides, professor Santo adds: "A major mismatch between instructor style and learners' styles can lead to trouble. For example, suppose that learners prefer independent work and reading, but the instructor prefers group projects. Never rely totally on any one method, but try to vary them. If a student does not seem to be learning, consider whether his/her learning style might be at odds with your teaching style. Remain flexible and be able to change planned learning activities if students are having trouble in a given area." Following the controversial theory, Marie Rossiter (2006) reports: "Steven A. Stahl is one of the most vocal learning style theory opponents. In a 1999 article, "Different Strokes for Different Folks?", Stahl offers a detailed critique of the entire concept of learning styles, particularly in the field of reading. Why is he so down on learning styles? In short, Stahl believes that:

• Many of the studies supporting learning style theory are not based on a reliable study.
• Many people mistake learning preferences with learning styles--and, according to him, there is a big difference.
• People like Howard Gardiner are simply looking for ways to make those with gifts in more creative avenues feel more "intelligent."
• Learning Style theory is used to try to meet the needs of the many, diverse learners in our classrooms."

Source: Santo, Susan A. "Learning Styles and Personality." The University of South Dakota. Updated: December 2007. May 26, 2009, http://www.usd.edu/~ssanto/styles.html Adapted.

Adapted by: Victor Hugo Rojas B. (2009) Associate professor of Language Teacher Education at UNE & UNMSM