The article critiques a 1987 (Kavale and Forness) meta-analysis which concluded that research does not support modality-based instruction. The study is faulted for its selection criteria as well as its failure to consider demographic differences, achievement level differences, multiplicity of preferences, definitions of terms, effect-size…

The Learning Style Inventory (LSI) measures an individual student's learning style and preference for physical learning environment. LSI scores for 321 students in grades 3, 6, and 7 were correlated to their self-concept scores. Eight LSI variables discriminated significantly between subjects with high and low self-concepts. (SJL)

Challenges 15 popular beliefs held about students and optimal learning environments by citing data from studies of student learning styles. Individual learning styles vary, and academic achievement can be improved by providing flexible teaching styles and classroom environments where students can match their learning styles. Includes extensive…

A number of studies conducted during the last decade have found that students' achievement increases when teaching methods match their learning styles--biological and developmental characteristics that affect how they learn. Correlational studies and experimental research studies are reviewed on instructional environments, perceptual preferences,…

Reviews studies concerned with perceptual learning styles and provides a research basis for an experimental procedure which allows students to be introduced to new information through their strongest modality, to have that information reinforced through multisensory assignments, and to internalize the information through application in a creative…

During the year 2000, 1,737 students were randomly selected to represent 231,000 students participating in 1,350 JROTC programs in three regions of the United States. The intention of this study was to identify whether a dominant learning style preference would be revealed for this student population as compared to the learning style of the…

Although the use of computers in the classroom has been heralded as a major breakthrough in education, many educators have yet to use computers to their fullest advantage. This is perhaps due to the traditional assumption that students differed only in their speed of learning. However, new research indicates that students differ in their style of…

Learning style is the way people concentrate on, internalize, and remember new and difficult knowledge or skills. It is composed of cognitive, motivational, and physiological elements that affect each person's ability to perceive, interact with, and respond to the learning environment. Extensive research documents the hypothesis that when students…

Reports the results of a study which investigated the relationship between learning style characteristics and left/right hemispheric preference of high school biology students (N=353). Concludes that a statistical significance exists indicating that different settings and instructional approaches are necessary to better promote learning. (DC)

This article discusses the evolution of teaching approaches in concert with the findings of over three decades of researches on student perceptual strengths. Confusing reports of successes and only limited successes for students with varied perceptual strengths suggest that combined auditory, visual, tactual, and/or kinesthetic instructional…

Case study observations and analyses of learning styles in U.S. secondary schools comprise the crux of this monograph. The text provides testimony to the accomplishments of schools actually integrating differentiated learning styles into their diverse educational programs and concomitant coursework. With the notion that learning style provides…

Discusses recent research on learning style, revealing some of the problems with the research as well as how work on learning modality can help students with trouble in school. Also discusses tests that identify learning style, and advises teachers to keep an open mind about learning style research. (SKC)

Presents a 21-item questionnaire that teachers can use to discover their personal beliefs and biases about how individuals in different cultural, gender, racial, and religious groups learn best. Answers for each question are discussed, and brief descriptions of two research projects testing the impact of teaching to various learning styles are…