On the usefulness of VAK (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) “learning styles” in education: Between the research hypothesis and the scientific myth
The aim of this paper is to foster reflection on the usefulness of VAK (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) “learning styles” in education. The idea of promoting academic achievement by tailoring instructions to one’s “preferred” or “dominant” sensory modality is very popular in education. Yet, in the actual state of scientific investigation, improving performance by presenting information in formats matching students’ VAK learning styles (e.g., showing diagrams to “visual” learners) is still an unproven research hypothesis. When falsely conveyed as an established scientific fact, the so-called matching hypothesis takes on the appearance of a scientific myth. First, we examine arguments used to confer a mythical status to VAK learning styles. Then, we review basic scientific evidence, gathered from a variety of methodological designs (correlational, experimental, brain imagery, transcranial magnetic stimulation, eye tracking) to conclude in the absence so far of any positive learning outcome gained from matching target material’s presentation formats to VAK learning styles. We nevertheless raise the possibility that VAK learning styles may have an educational impact outside the matching hypothesis. Finally, we point out directions for future research, make some recommendations to prevent adoption of unfounded educational practices in student teachers, and highlight alternative pedagogical approaches to differentiate instruction and to promote academic achievement.