Listen to a NotebookLM fraudcast based on this post.
TL;DR
Forget outdated learning styles. Instead:
- Use Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to make learning accessible to all.
- Adapt instruction for those with specific needs, like neurodivergent learners.
- Leverage AI tools to deliver content in diverse formats quickly.
- Apply research-backed principles like chunking, multimedia, and personalization for better results.
- Learning isn’t about fitting people into categories—it’s about designing for success across the board.
When it comes to learning, there’s a lot of advice floating around—some solid, some outdated, and some downright misleading. In this post, we’re breaking down some of the most important learning theories and instructional design principles, cutting through the myths, and focusing on what actually works.
Why it’s time to move on from learning styles
Ever heard someone say they’re a “visual learner” or that they “can’t learn unless they hear it out loud”? Of course you have. You may have even promoted the idea yourself (looking sheepishly at the floor). It’s been a popular belief for decades, but research shows that matching instruction to a learner’s “style”—visual, auditory, read/write, or kinesthetic (VARK)—doesn’t actually improve learning outcomes.
Why learning styles don’t hold up
- Studies show that the so-called “meshing hypothesis” (the idea that teaching in a preferred style improves learning) simply isn’t true.
- While people may have preferences, these don’t necessarily help them retain information better.
- Believing in learning styles can even be harmful, leading people to avoid useful strategies that fall outside their perceived style.
- That said, adapting instruction to fit different contexts and learner needs can be helpful—just not in the rigid way learning styles suggest.
What about learners with atypical needs?
While the learning styles myth has been debunked, we do know that tailoring instruction can be helpful for learners with disabilities, neurodivergence, or specific challenges. Here’s how:
- Neurodivergent learners (e.g., autism spectrum disorder) often benefit from clear, rule-based instruction and explicit guidance rather than open-ended learning.
- Learners with some types of intellectual challenges learn best with concrete, simple, and engaging teaching methods.
- Learners with barriers to traditional learning may need step-by-step instruction and self-regulation strategies. Hands-on (kinesthetic) learning often works well here.
- Adults with ADHD tend to thrive with structured environments, clear routines, and multi-modal instruction (a mix of visuals, hands-on activities, and spoken explanations).
Is UDL the answer?
Instead of trying to fit learners into categories, universal design for learning (UDL) focuses on making learning accessible to everyone from the start. This approach benefits all learners, including those with barriers to learning, by creating flexible learning environments.
UDL’s three core principles:
- Multiple means of engagement – Give learners different ways to interact with the material and stay motivated.
- Multiple means of representation – Provide content in different formats (text, audio, video, interactive elements).
- Multiple means of action & expression – Let learners show what they know in different ways (writing, speaking, creating a project).
UDL is applicable and useful in adult and workplace learning, where motivation, relevance, and flexibility are key.
How do you design learning experiences for large and diverse groups?
In corporate learning, designing for large and diverse groups presents unique challenges. While it’s tempting to generalize content, it’s still crucial to create learner personas, empathy maps, and learner journey mapping to understand diverse needs. Unlike live training, where facilitators can adjust in real-time, eLearning must be designed from the start to be flexible and inclusive.
The best approach? Lean into Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and design for the learners who may struggle the most. This ensures accessibility and effectiveness for everyone. Additionally, focus on those learners who, if they misunderstand or fail to apply knowledge correctly, present the biggest risk to the organization.
For example, imagine a financial compliance training where employees misinterpret critical regulations, leading to legal violations and reputational damage. Or consider a healthcare setting where improper application of new procedures results in patient harm. These scenarios highlight why prioritizing clarity and accessibility is crucial for reducing risk. Prioritizing clarity and accessibility in these areas enhances learning impact across the board.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’ll lose the folks who may be more sophisticated learners or those who know a bit more about the topic already. Even expert prefer plain language and clear, simple explanations.
How is AI transforming learning experience design?
In the past, creating diverse learning options was time-consuming and resource-intensive. However, AI—especially generative AI (GenAI)—has changed the game. Learning experience designers and developers can now provide multiple content formats with ease.
For example, instead of offering a case study only in text, AI tools enable the rapid creation of multiple formats, such as:
- Text-based case study for traditional learners.
- Audio narration for those who prefer listening.
- Video version with visuals and explanations.
- Interactive branching scenario where learners make decisions and see outcomes.
By leveraging AI, instructional designers can provide more inclusive and engaging learning experiences without significantly increasing development time.
How can multimedia enhance learning?
We live in a digital world, so it’s important to understand how multimedia affects learning. Richard Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML) provides guidelines for designing effective learning content.
Some of his key principles include:
- Coherence principle – Avoid unnecessary fluff. Extra words and visuals can distract rather than help.
- Example: In a corporate compliance training module, keep visuals relevant to the policy being discussed rather than adding decorative images that don’t support the message.
- Signaling principle – Use cues (bold text, highlights, arrows) to draw attention to key points.
- Example: In a leadership training video, highlight the key takeaways with bold text overlays or arrows pointing to important visuals.
- Modality principle – Combine visuals with narration instead of overwhelming learners with too much on-screen text.
- Example: In a software tutorial, use narrated explanations alongside screen recordings rather than long blocks of instructional text.
- Segmenting principle – Break content into smaller, manageable chunks to avoid cognitive overload.
- Example: Instead of a one-hour e-learning course on workplace safety, split it into shorter modules focusing on different safety aspects, like fire prevention, first aid, and emergency response.
- Personalization principle – Use conversational language to make learning feel more engaging and natural.
- Example: In a virtual onboarding experience, use friendly, conversational narration rather than overly formal corporate language to make new hires feel welcomed.
Applying these principles to presentations, e-learning, or even just everyday explanations can make a big difference in how well information sticks.
Final thoughts
The takeaway? Forget the outdated idea of learning styles – I know, it’s hard, but we can do it – and focus on what actually works:
- Tailor learning experiences for learners with specific needs.
- Use universal design for learning to make learning experiences more inclusive.
- Leverage multimedia wisely to enhance understanding.
- Implement diverse instructional methods that are content-driven, engaging, and backed by research.
- Utilize AI and generative AI tools to streamline and enhance the learning experience, making content creation faster, more flexible, and more accessible.
The best learning experiences are varied, accessible, and designed to help everyone succeed—not just those who think they’re a “visual learner” or an “auditory learner.”
Post augmented by NotebookLM, Perplexity, ChatGPT
Cross posted to LinkedIn