Learning styles: a review of the english language literature

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of the diverse conceptualizations of learning styles and of the diversity of ways that have been devised for gathering information about individuals' learning styles. The review is limited to work reported in the English language literature since the early 1980's. The major components of models of learning styles, and the main educational issues that have been associated with work on learning styles, are identified from critical analyses of learning styles theory and research that are to be found in the literature. The overview provides a background of information against which some relatively recent developments in learning styles research, theorizing, and instrumentation are examined for their potential usefulness in enhancing the quality of teaching-learning processes and outcomes, particularly in the higher education sector.