Marie Rossiter's Blog

Posted by Marie Rossiter

In my most recent article, How Do You Learn Best?, the benefit of individual learning styles were discussed. Certainly, many experts, especially Howard Gardiner, firmly believe that tapping into our individual preferences can help us learn better. However, as with most theories, there are detractors.

Steven A. Stahl is one of the most vocal opponents of learning style theory. In a 1999 article, "Different Strokes for Different Folks?", Stahl offers a detailed critique of the entire concept of learning styles, particulary 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 is not based on 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.

I agree with Stahl's point that the many of the detailed surveys, tests and inventories that are given to figure out a student's learning style aren't always reliable or objective. They can be too general, awkward and difficult for the students to give an answer that truly reveals any worthwhile information.

Also, as a former teacher, I know that trying to assess learning styles on a large scale is time-consuming and budget-busting (many of the "formal assessments" cost a LOT of money!) The practicality just isn't there more often that not. In my classroom experience, I tried doing various informal assessments with students about various interests, strengths and weaknesses. Whle the information I got back was interesting, I was soon left wondering, "How am I going to apply all of these preferences to my day to day lessons?" Therefore, assessing learning styles on a large scale isn't really practical for most teachers.

My solution to the controversy was to have the students individualize the experience (remember those 3 questions from the article?) The "assessment" wasn't long, it was private which meant students would be honest and it was practical because then the students could apply what they learned about themselves to how they worked and prepared for my class.

Learning styles/preferences aren't a student's savior, rather they are one of many tools students must feel comfortable with in order to build a better study plan for themselves.

I look at it this way: a little self-knowledge never hurt anyone.

Posted by Marie Rossiter

In my first article, Study Skills Secrets, I talk about some of the most common myths about studying. As someone who has been on both sides of the desk--as both student and teacher--I know the challenges that come with learning how to study effectively. The best advice I usually got as a kid was "study harder". Not knowing what that meant, I just studied longer. Well, once you read my article, you'll see that I was sorely mistaken. In my defense, though, I was never really taught how to study with meaning. Until I reached college, studying was all about memorization, not retention. Sometimes, that's ok. But, is that really learning?

Once I started my education and literature classes, I had to learn to juggle a LOT of reading and writing. Most days, I felt swamped and confused. I was a good student all through school; yet ,now, it was harder to maintain the same above average grades I was used to earning. Luckily, a few of the teacher prep classes and literacy classes I took covered some basic study skills and strategies. It left me wondering: why didn't I learn this earlier?

Move forward a few years to the time when I was finally in my own classroom. I'm sure there were more times than I remember falling into the trap of repeating the "study more/study harder" mantra. That was when I'd usually get blank stares from my students, and that was enough of a kick in the pants to get me back on track.

Even when I advocated for study skills classes for students and seminars for teachers, it was a challenge. It's one more subject, one more set of skills on an already deep pile of lessons they must learn.

Without teaching good study skills, we are not providing our students with the tools necessary to be a success. Are we setting them up for failure? Maybe not. But, I do believe that without study skill training, we are not allowing a great many students reach their full potential