Debunking learning styles

Some say learning styles are myth, others say they’re magic

Without having read the original research article from this report (I know–bad academic), I’d have to agree with the reported findings. I’m currently taking a teaching methods class which places a lot of emphasis on learning styles. The emphasis on learning style makes learning  scienitifc and easily applicable to all subjects when I just don’t think this is the case. I think what is being lost in the emphasis in learning and/or teaching styles is: subject content and relationships. My learning style tends to vary with what I am learning. There are some subjects where I am a very verbal learner and others where I like to have more reflection. However, what always increases my ability to learn, is the level of engagement with the instructor. If the instructor is approachable, creates a safe learning environment, and is excited about teaching their subject it will reflect in the way they present information and engage their students. As I begin my teaching career, these are the things I hope to bring to the classes I teach.

Introduction

I’m a second year Social Work PhD student with a minor in Public Health at the University of Minnesota. I have a BSW from College of St.Catherine/St. Catherine University and a MSW with a concentration in Program Development, Policy, and Administration from Augsburg College. My main research area is examining social learning theory as a prevention tool, specifically, the socialization of men into fatherhood and the parenting and partnering practices of men who have been exposed to domestic violence as children. In addition, I’m interested in prevention of gender based violence by engaging men in prevention efforts and how structural violence contributes to the transmission of HIV/AIDS and health disparities in women