A critical examination of perceptual learning styles in English language teaching
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21333065 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Carol Lethaby (New School, corresponding author), Russell Mayne (0000-0001-6074-7868, English Language Teaching Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK) |
| Year | 2020 |
| Volume | 58 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 221-237 |
| Publication date | 2020-06-25 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | IRAL - International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0019-042X • E-ISSN: 1613-4141 |
| Publisher | Walter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1515/iral-2017-0067 |
| OpenAlex | W2884942958 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 22 |
This article critically reviews the concept of learning styles, particularly the notion of perceptual, that is, visual, auditory and kinaesthetic (VAK), styles. We look at problems with the definition and terminology used to describe VAK learning styles, arguing that they have yet to be shown to be consistent and measurable attributes. We review the history of VAK, present literature on the topic in language teaching and other educational fields and scrutinize the scientific, psychological and educational concerns with the use of VAK learning styles in the classroom, asserting that much of the popularity assigned to the notion of VAK learning styles is based on the false assumption that teaching to a learner’s sensory learning preference will enhance achievement. We conclude with some brief suggestions for alternative pedagogical interventions in language teaching which do have strong empirical backing as well as a call to the language teaching profession to look to other fields, such as neuroscience and cognitive science to guard against classroom practices that have no scientific basis
Experiential learning · Learning styles · Linguistics · Mathematics education · Perception · Popularity · Scientific terminology · Teaching method · Terminology · Learning Styles and Cognitive Differences · Neuroscience, Education and Cognitive Function · Psychology · Social Psychology · Visual and Cognitive Learning Processes
Visible Learning and the Science of How We Learn
Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching
The Psychology of the Language Learner Revisited
Cognitive constraints on multimedia learning
Do Learners Really Know Best? Urban Legends in Education
Neuroscience and education
Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques
Neuromyths in Education
Match or mismatch? Learning styles and teaching styles in EFL
The learning styles and strategies of effective language learners
A brief overview of individual differences in second language learning
The construct validity of one learning styles instrument
The Learning Style Preferences of ESL Students
Assessment of Language Learning Strategies Used by Palestinian EFL Learners
Learning Styles
Perceptual Learning Style Matching and L2 Vocabulary Acquisition
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |