Learning style is defined, and the various elements of learning style are discussed in reviewing selected research regarding learner characteristics and learner performance. Procedures for identifying learning styles are described, and possible cultural influences on learning styles are noted. Practical guidelines for instructional placement are suggested, and areas calling for further research are outlined.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Adcock, C.J., & Webberley, M.Primary mental abilities. Journal of General Psychology , 1971, 84, 229-243.
2.
Asher, S.R.Sex differences in reading achievement (Reading Education Report No. 2). Urbana-Champaign: Center for the Study of Reading, University of Illinois, 1977.
3.
Ausburn, L.J., & Ausburn, F.B.Cognitive styles: Some information and implications for instructional design . Educational Communication and Technology Journal , 1978, 26, 337-354.
4.
Baker, E.Perceiver variables involved in the recognition of faces. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of London, 1967.
5.
Bengston, J.K.Cognitive style: The individual difference variable that doesn't make a difference . Viewpoints in Teaching and Learning, 1979 , 55, 91-97.
6.
Bennett, C.I.Individual differences and how teachers perceive them. The Social Studies, 1979, 70, 56-61.
7.
Bruner, J.S., Goodnow, J.J., & Austin, G.A.A study of thinking. New York: Wiley, 1956.
8.
Burgess, B. J.Native American learning styles . In L. Morris (Ed.), Extracting learning styles from social/cultural diversity. A study of five American minorities . Washington, D.C.: Office of Education, 1978. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 158 952)
9.
Case, R.Gearing the demands of instruction to the developmental capacities of the learner. Review of Educational Research, 1975 , 45, 59-88.
10.
Cortes, C.E.Chicano culture, experience, and learning. In L. Morris (Ed.), Extracting learning styles from social/cultural diversity. A study of five American minorities. Washington, D.C.: Office of Education, 1978. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 158 952)
11.
Crutchfield, R.S., Woodworth, D.G., & Albrecht, R.E.Perceptual performance and the effective person (WADC - TN - 58 - 60). Lackland Air Force Base, Texas: Personnel Laboratory, Wright Air Development Center, Air Research and Development Command, April, 1958. (ASTIA No. AD 151 039)
12.
Dickstein, L.S.Field independence in concept attainment. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1968, 27, 635-642.
13.
Domino, G.Interactive effects of achievement orientation and teaching style on academic achievement. ACT Research Report, 1970, 39, 1-9.
Dunn, R., & Dunn, K.Learning styles/ teaching styles: Should they ... can they ... be matched?Educational Leadership, 1979, 36, 238-244.
17.
Dunn, R., Dunn, K., & Price, G.Diagnosing learning styles: A prescription for avoiding malpractice suits . Phi Delta Kappan, 1977, 58, 418-420.
18.
Duvall, N.S.Field articulation and the repression-sensitization dimension in perception and memory (Doctoral dissertation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1969). Dissertation Abstracts International, 1970, 30, 3864B. (University Microfilms No. 70-3228)
19.
Dwyer, C.A.Sex differences in reading: An evaluation and a critique of current theories . Review of Educational Research, 1973, 43, 455-467.
20.
Farr, B.J.Individual differences in learning : Predicting one's more effective learning modality (Doctoral dissertation, Catholic University of America, 1971). Dissertation Abstracts International, 1971, 32, 1332A. (University Microfilms No. 71-20355)
21.
Fischer, B.B., & Fischer, L.Styles in teaching and learning. Educational Leadership , 1979, 36, 245-254.
22.
Fitz, R.J.The differential effects of praise and censure on serial learning as dependent on locus of control and field dependency (Doctoral dissertation, Catholic University of America, 1970). Dissertation Abstracts International, 1971, 31, 4310B. (University Microfilms No. 71-1457)
23.
Fitzgibbons, D., Goldberger, L., & Eagle, M.Field dependence and memory for incidental material. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1965, 21, 743-749.
24.
Fleming, M.L., Knowlton, J.Q., Blain, B.B., Levie, W.H., & Elerian, A.Message design: The temporal dimension of message structure. Final Report. Bloomington: Indiana University, 1968. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 023 294)
25.
Frederick, W.C., & Klausmeier, H.J.Cognitive styles: A description. Educational Leadership, 1970, 28, 669-672. Gagné, R.M.The conditions of learning. New York: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston, 1965.
26.
Gitters, A.G., Black, H., & Mostofsky, D.I.Race and sex in perception of emotion. Journal of Social Issues, 1972, 28, 111-115.
27.
Goodenough, D.R.The role of individual differences in field dependence as a factor in learning and memory. Psychological Bulletin, 1976, 83, 675-694.
28.
Greene, M.A.Client perception of the relationship as a function of worker-client cognitive styles (Doctoral dissertation, Columbia University , 1972). Dissertation Abstracts International , 1972, 33, 3030A-3031A. (University Microfilms No. 72-31, 213)
Grinder, J., & Bandler, R.The structure of magic, I. Palo Alto, Calif.: Science and Behavior Books, 1975.
31.
Grinder, J., & Bandler, R.The structure of magic, II. Palo Alto, Calif.: Science and Behavior Books, 1976.
32.
Hale, J.Cultural influences on learning styles of Afro-American children. In L. Morris (Ed.), Extracting learning styles from social/cultural diversity. A study of five American minorities . Washington, D.C.: Office of Education , 1978. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 158 952)
33.
Haskins, J., & Butts, H.F.The psychology of Black language. New York: Barnes & Nobles, 1973.
34.
Husen, T. (Ed.). International study of achievement in mathematics: A comparison of twelve countries (Vol. I). International project for the evaluation of educational achievement (IEA) Phase I. New York: Wiley, 1967 .
35.
Jensen, A.R.How much can we boost IQ and scholastic achievement? Harvard Educational Review, 1969, 39, 1-123.
36.
Kagan, S.Social motives and behaviors of Mexican-American and Anglo-American children . In J. Martinez, Jr. (Ed.), Chicano psychology. New York: Academic Press, 1977.
37.
Konstadt, N., & Forman, E.Field dependence and external directedness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1965, 1, 490-493.
38.
Koran, M.L., Snow, R.E., & McDonald, F.J.Teacher aptitude and observational learning of a teaching skill. Journal of Educational Psychology, 1971, 62, 219-228.
39.
Lester, J.Look out whitey! Black powers gon' get your mama!New York : Grove Press, 1969.
40.
Mahlios, M.C.Implications of cognitive style for teachers and learners. Tempe: Arizona State University, 1978. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. 152 704)
41.
Morris, L. (Ed.). Extracting learning styles from social/cultural diversity. A study of five American minorities. Washington, D.C.: Office of Education, 1978. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. 158-952)
42.
Paclisanu, M.I.Interacting effects of field-dependence, stimulus deprivation and two types of reinforcement upon problem-solving in elementary school children (Doctoral dissertation, Temple University, 1970 ). Dissertation Abstracts International, 1973 , 34, 3149A - 3150A. (University Microfilms No. 73-30, 449)
43.
Passow, A.H.Compensatory instructional intervention. Review of Research in Education2. Itasca, III .: F. E. Peacock, 1974.
44.
Price, G., Dunn, R., & Dunn, K.Summary of research on learning style based on the learning style inventory . Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New York , April 1977. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. 137 329)
45.
Reinert, H.One picture is worth a thousand words? Not necessarily!The Modern Language Journal, 1976, 60(4), 162-168.
46.
Renzi, N.B.A study of some effects of field dependence-independence and feedback on performance achievement (Doctoral dissertation, Hofstra University , 1974). Dissertation Abstracts International , 1974, 35, 2059A. (University Microfilms No. 74-21, 861)
Ruble, D.N., & Nakamura, C.Y.Task orientation versus social orientation in young children and their attention to relevant social cues. Child Development, 1972, 43, 471-480.
49.
Saljo, R.Learning in the learner's perspective. IV. Considering one's own strategy (No. 79). Stockholm: Swedish Council for Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences, 1979 ). (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. 173 372)
50.
Schwen, T.M.The effect of cognitive styles and instructional sequences on learning a hierarchical task (Doctoral dissertation, Indiana University , 1970). Dissertation Abstracts International , 1970, 31, 2797A-2798A. (University Microfilms No. 70-23,380)
51.
Seewald, A.M., Leinhardt, G., & Engle M.Learning what's taught: Sex differences in instruction. Pittsburgh: Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh, 1977.
52.
Selakovich, D.The learning styles of poor whites. In L. Morris (Ed.), Extracting learning styles from social/cultural diversity. A study of five American minorities. Washington, D.C.: Office of Education, 1978. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 158 952)
53.
Steinfeld, S.L.Level of differentiation and age as predictors of reinforcer effectiveness (Doctoral dissertation, Hofstra University, 1973). Dissertation Abstracts International, 1973, 34, 2912B-2913B. (University Microfilms No. 73-25, 324)
54.
Thornell, J.G.Research on cognitive styles: Implications for teaching and learning . Educational Leadership, 1976, 33, 503-504.
55.
Thornell, J.G.Individual differences in cognitive styles and the guidance variable in instruction . Journal of Experimental Education, 1977, 46, 9-12.
56.
Witkin, H.A., Moore, C.A., Goodenough, D.R., & Cox, P.W.Field-dependent and field-independent cognitive styles and their educational implications. Review of Educational Research, 1977, 47, 1-64.