To this date, no studies have been able to prove that matching preferred learning styles will generate better learning outcomes, according to the Association of Psychological Science (APS, 2009). This makes sense to me as each of us is unique. Adults come from different educational backgrounds with different professional experiences. According to Malcolm Knowles (Bierema, 2014), this wealth of experiences serves as a resource for adult learners. Adults are interested in learning subjects that are relevant and that offer immediate benefits personally and professionally.
I can certainly speak to this based on my own learning experience. Both my husband and I are currently studying Italian. However one of my challenges in learning Italian is grammar. Based on the VARK questionnaire, I have been identified as a kinesthetic learner. The curriculum for the Italian course includes numerous written modules of grammar rules. Each module is connected to some context, such as shopping, restaurant, etc. If so, as a kinesthetic learner, I should be more proficient than my husband on the Italian grammar rules. In fact, it is the complete opposite. So what is the rationale behind this. My husband studied French awhile back. Although he has not spoken French for a long time, he still remembers some of the fundamental knowledge of the French language. Also as there are some similarities between Italian and French languages in terms of grammar, he is able to draw from his previous experience in learning the French language in order to help him learn Italian.
Also when I first enrolled in the Italian language course, I wondered why did the curriculum include written quizzes and reviews for each module when it is supposed to be a conversational course. In order for students to remember, the information has to move from sensory memory to long-term memory. This involves not only hearing and seeing (sensory memory), but also repetitive activities such as quizzes or reviews (long-term memory) which will help with information retention. As a rote learner, this has certainly helped me tremendously.
In short, based on my own personal experience, learning styles are irrelevant. The strategies for learning should be based on content and learning outcomes, not personal learning styles.
PS: If anyone has any suggestion on how I can improve my grammar on Italian, I would greatly appreciate your input.
References
Association for Psychological Science. (2009, December 16). Learning Styles Debunked: There is
No Evidence Supporting Auditory and Visual Learning, Psychologists Say. Retrieved from Psychological Science:
http://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/learning-styles-debunked-there-is-
no-evidence-supporting-auditory-and-visual-learning-psychologists-
say.html#.WI6AIPkrLb0
Bierema, S. B. (2014). The Brain and Cognitive Functioning. In Adult Learning - Linking Theory
and Practice (pp. 172 - 176). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Pappas, C. (2013, August 6). Instructional Design. Retrieved from elearning industry:
https://elearningindustry.com/the-myth-of-learning-styles