The Effect of Learning Styles on Education and the Teaching Process

Ibrahim Yasar Kazu

doi:10.3844/jssp.2009.85.94

Abstract

Problem statement: It is of great importance that individuals actively participate in the learning process; that, starting from the early ages, their awareness be raised about the efficiency of the learning styles in developing their academic success and self-confidence; and that the learning styles they have be determined. For this reason, this study aimed to reveal the learning styles having great importance for succeeding in the learning process and to determine the efficiency of these styles in learning process. Approach: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of learning styles on education and the teaching processes. This empirical research served two key purposes: First purpose was to detect the impacts of the learning styles on teaching and learning methods and second purpose was to evaluate the key models in a variety of learning environments to better understand their merits and deficiencies. In this regard, after emphasizing “learning style“ concept, this study examined the conceptual and applied researches that can explain the effects of learning styles on teaching and learning processes. Results: Education should help raising individuals who are able to look at the world from various perspectives. Individual differences should be taken into consideration in achieving these objectives. Education should be given by taking these differences into consideration in the educational and instructional processes. Individual brings some latent potencies produced by the genetic heritage; these latent potencies may be modified or develop by social acculturation in time. Conclusion: To provide the best way of learning to the individuals, learning style should be determined beforehand by considering the differences such as personality, perception, ability and intelligence.

Highlights

Before examining the learning styles and models, it is necessary to explain “What is the key concept in learning style?” and “What does style mean?” Style is a concept used in the fields of fashion, art, sports and media
After emphasizing the concept of learning style, this study examined the conceptual and applied researches that can explain the effects of learning styles on the processes of education and learning
Özbek’s[3] study “determining learning styles of primary school students” -one of the studies conducted on this issue- suggests that when teachers need information about the learning styles of the students, they can get results by applying a learning style inventory and with these results they can choose instruction models and obtain the necessary materials

Summary

Introduction

Before examining the learning styles and models, it is necessary to explain “What is the key concept in learning style?” and “What does style mean?” Style is a concept used in the fields of fashion, art, sports and media From this point of view, individual’s preferences are central. When this concept is considered in educational content, it is seen that every student has his/her own learning style These differences (personality, perception, ability, intelligence) affect students’ motivation and attitudes towards the lessons. Studies have been conducted over the past 40 years In this regard, after emphasizing the concept of learning style, this study examined the conceptual and applied researches that can explain the effects of learning styles on the processes of education and learning.

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion