Learning Styles: From Basic Investigation to Learning in the Classroom

Abstract

There are several behavioral tasks to test learning and memory in experimental animals (i.e., avoidance conditioning). In the two-way active avoidance model, we demonstrated both structural and functional differences using an auditory (2,800 Hz tone) or a visual (28 V light) stimulus. Given that these changes are correlated with learning, neuroplasticity seems to be an important predictor of learning-induced behavior. In humans, learning represents the acquisition of a relatively enduring disposition to change the perception or behavior as a result of experience. However, not all individuals learn in the same way, and the variability can be given by age, motivation, prior cultural background, social context, and learning styles. The term learning style refers to the fact that each person uses their own method or strategies when learning. In the literature there are many definitions according to various authors because it is a concept that has been addressed from different perspectives. The knowledge regarding learning styles may help educators in identifying and solving the learning problems among students, thus helping them to become more effective learners. We used the model called VAK (visual-auditory-kinesthetic) to identify the preferred learning styles of nursing students at the University of Chile. The results show a clear difference in the percentage of students who respond to the kinesthetic type of learning compared with the other two types, as well as a good correlation between the academic performance of students and the preference of a particular learning style. After years of theories about learning styles, it is clear that there still are issues to be investigated in order to progress and to improve the teaching-learning process.