Impact of Learning Styles on Higher Distance Learning

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the impact of learning styles on distance learning in higher education. This qualitative study is based on a literature review that comprehends students' styles as determining influencing factors in the teaching and learning process. It was carried out through electronic databases of ScienceDirect, Scopus and Web of Science. The literature review focused on articles that addressed impacts/implications of learning styles and relationship between learning styles and performance of learners. This study shows that distance learning affects education in a twofold way. On the one hand, the educational institutions are able to increase the enrollment rate and reduce school dropouts; on the other hand, students develop innovative and creative skills when higher distance learning is implemented in a student-centered perspective, associating teaching methods with learning styles. However, when methods and learning styles are incompatible, undesirable effects such as high retention of students in courses, dropping out of school and poor academic performance may follow.