We learn in all modalities: You are not a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner

Author: Jovi Nazareno, EdM Candidate at Harvard Graduate School of Education

While surrounded by educators in a course called Becoming an Expert Learner¹, a discussion came up about how to support memory in learners. We talked about the importance and helpfulness of exposure to multiple modalities of information. This topic became tangled up with what is now known as a neuromyth—the VAK (visual, auditory, or kinesthetic) learning styles—a neuromyth so pervasive that several classmates expressed frustration at having implemented that theory in classrooms only to later uncover its inaccuracies and harm.

What is a neuromyth? What does this have to do with VAK?

Neuromyths are misconceptions about the brain. We humans lean toward simple explanations.² This partially explains why we might hang tightly onto theories that foster a clear, albeit sometimes false, understanding of the brain’s inner workings. We also all have biases and shortcuts that help us to quickly understand and use information.³

In the case of VAK learning styles, the myth stems from a past and inaccurate belief that each person has a specific learning style. If a person learned in that style, that would benefit their learning because that must be how their brain works—at least that was the logic. However, the VAK learning styles theory has failed to hold up to any evidence.^4,5,6 Despite lack of evidence, the prevalence and application of such neuromyths continue.^7,8

It is worth noting here that the VAK learning styles theory is not to be confused with Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. While the VAK learning styles theory has no basis in evidence, Gardner does ground his multiple intelligences in evidence. But even Gardner himself makes no claim that multiple intelligences is grounded in neuroscience.⁹

Unfortunately, many neuromyths exist in education, such as the VAK learning styles. On the surface, this might not seem like a big deal. However, if instructional practices are geared toward a particular “style”, this comes at the detriment of exposure to multiple modalities of input.¹⁰ And inputs from various modalities do support memory.

Question your beliefs

Despite the debunking of VAK, why does it continue being talked about? I can think of many instances when I’ve heard classmates and even colleagues say phrases like, “well, I’m a visual learner.” I will honestly admit that I too have been guilty of such phrases, as I simply repeated what others had told me and what I thought to be true. Until I was explicitly exposed to the term neuromyth and learned about neuromyths influence on education, I didn’t stop to think about the harm I caused to myself and others by perpetuating such errors.

We must accept that the beliefs we hold matter. We need to ensure that the foundation of our beliefs is strong and true. And when beliefs are not true, it is time to adapt our ways and be the lifelong learners we aspire for students to be.

Note: If you want to learn more about this topic, click here to check a bundle about Neuromyths