Even though it hurts to hear it: You have probably been falling for a lie for many years – the myth of the four learning types. Visual, Auditory, Communicative, and Kinesthetic: Why this is nice and simple but nonsense, you will learn in the article.
4 Senses, 4 Learning Types? The Antiquated Model by Vester
Even if you don't engage intensively with learning, you probably know the model of the four learning types:
Visual Learner
Auditory Learner
Communicative Learner
Kinesthetic Learner
This model is attributed to Frederic Vester, a German biochemist. In the 1970s, he published the bestseller “Thinking, Learning, Forgetting,” in which he spoke of four channels and developed the so-called theory of learning biology. However, Vester himself did not strictly categorize people into a single learning type but spoke of mixed forms (e.g., audio-visual).
All Nonsense? Strong Criticism of the 4 Learning Types Model
If you Google the learning types – or even just the term “learning” – you immediately find numerous articles and tests with the motto “What type of learner are you?” And of course: Vester's model is simple, and it is always nice to (supposedly) learn something about yourself.
Neuroscientist Henning Beck is one of many voices speaking out against the criticism of the learning types model: If you took a test about your favorite food, the result would only reflect a small part of your own preferences – so Beck. Only the mix makes the offer attractive!
Why Has the Myth of the 4 Learning Types Persisted for So Long?
I have already given two answers to that: First, the model of the four learning types is so beautifully simple, and we humans are lazy and love simple answers. Second, there’s an effect similar to horoscopes: We love to learn things about ourselves. And we intuitively find aspects in it that we agree with. "I’m a visual learner? – Oh right, I really do like watching videos!"
Another answer is provided by this scientific paper from 2020: The model of learning types is based solely on our preferences. But what we like is not automatically good for us! Here, Beck’s beautiful comparison with our favorite foods fits again. Only cheesecake and chocolate are not good for us one bit. On the other hand, we also get tired of our favorite food if that’s all there is.
For learning, this means: Just because I like watching videos, a purely video-based e-learning does not create the greatest learning effect for me. I’m not a "visual learner"; I just like watching moving pictures.
Instead of Learning Type Tunnel Vision: Media Switching is Good for All of Us!
Current research shows that we learn best when different brain regions are engaged. Yes, even you as a visual learner! 😉 The mix is what matters, and this corresponds to the experience of many trainers and coaches: An e-learning that offers a complete media variety of video, text, quizzes, etc., is fun and motivates participants to stay engaged.
See also: Find the media mix for YOUR e-learning [Table]
Did you previously believe in the model of the four learning types? Now is the time to finally bury this myth. For trainers or coaches, the end of this learning myth means: Long live the media mix! Check your e-learnings now and ensure that different formats and media alternate. This way, you stimulate various brain regions in all participants and ensure the greatest possible learning effect.
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