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ERIC Number: EJ1206072
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2331-186X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Power Relations in Educational Scientific Communication--A Critical Analysis of Discourse on Learning Styles
Smets, Wouter; Struyven, Katrien
Cogent Education, v5 n1 Article 1429722 2018
Learning styles theory has been fiercely criticized, however, many educationalists continue to use learning style typologies. This study gives an argument as to why a hermeneutical perspective in the learning styles debate is needed. A critical discourse analysis (CDA) is presented on four critical texts that aim to discourage the use of learning styles for educational purposes. Therefore, three steps are taken: (1) textual analysis involving argumentation style, with the focus on epistemology and discursive practices, (2) processing analysis involving interpretation, and (3) social analysis, relating the results to power structures in education. CDA demonstrates how the discourse on learning styles, as seen in these texts, results in unbalanced relationships between educational researchers and their readership. Discourse, as analyzed in these texts, leaves little space for professional decision-making. Researchers impose themselves as experts to be trusted. A more appropriate articulation of the discourse on learning styles could help reduce misunderstandings in the field of learning styles.
Cogent OA. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A