Alignment of Teaching Style to Learning Preferences: Impact on Student Learning

Abstract

The learning outcome can be effective if the students practice study habits according to their learning styles. Students can also learn best when teaching methods match their learning style. The present study tries to unearth the possibility of relationship between the teaching style and learning preferences of the students through the application of VARK inventory and is also interested in finding out whether the students carry out study habits as per their learning preferences. The study relies on the VARK inventory to assess learning styles. Many a times there is no alignment between the teaching style of the teachers and the learning preferences of the students due to which the learning will hardly be effective. Also, students will not know their true learning styles and study in a manner their peers are studying which actually may not bring out productive performance from them. There is less correlation between the learning style of the students identified through VARK and learning style identified by self. Though there is no relationship between learning style of the students and the study habits with the performance of the students in the three examinations, namely SSLC, PUC and University exams. No learning style is superior as it hardly plays a role in influencing the performance of the students. This study reiterates that understanding one's learning style makes the learning effective and meaningful.