Research Summaries

Back Intuitive System Training

Fiscal Year 2019
Division Research & Sponsored Programs
Department NPS Naval Research Program
Investigator(s) McDowell, Perry L.
Kennedy, Meghan Q.
Sponsor NPS Naval Research Program (Navy)
Summary One of the more controversial topics in the field of instructional system design is the concept of learning styles. Learning styles are the belief that most learners prefer learning materials to be presented via a particular method (e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.), and they learn material better when materials are presented in that modality and worse when presented in another. These theories gained popularity in the 1970’s and 1980’s, and expanded to the point where they were widely accepted by most educators in the 1990’s (Kolb, 1984) (Mumford, 1997) (Fleming, 1995). Because of this, instructors significantly modified their classes to present information in a wide variety of modalities to reach all types of learners.

However, in recent years, these theories have been called into question. Several studies have found that learners did not perform better when information was presented via their preferred method as opposed to others (Pashler et al, 2008). Pashler, et al (2008) concluded that "at present, there is no adequate evidence base to justify incorporating learning styles assessments into general educational practice,” (p 105) and recommended that limited educational resources be used on items with a more proven record. However, proponents of learning styles defended them and pointed out shortcomings in Pachler’s research.

While most learning styles research has focused on surveys of students’ preferred learning styles , we intend to use eye-tracking to see if differences in scan patterns exist between students who identify themselves as verbal or pictorial learners (two common preferred learning styles). This research can indicate if there are objective differences in how these different groups approach materials and any impact they have on learning assessments, which would in turn, indicate whether or not classes at SLC should be adapted to multiple learning styles. Results of this effort will be detailed in a research paper.
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Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal