Revisiting cognitive and learning styles in computer-assisted instruction: not so useful after all. 2012

David A Cook
Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo 17, 200 First St., SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. cook.david33@mayo.edu

In a previous systematic review, the author proposed that adaptation to learners' cognitive and learning styles (CLSs) could improve the efficiency of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). In the present article, he questions that proposition, arguing that CLSs do not make a substantive difference in CAI. To support this argument, the author performed an updated systematic literature search, pooled new findings with those from the previous review, and reinterpreted this evidence with a focus on aptitude-treatment interactions. (An aptitude-treatment interaction occurs when a student with attribute 1 learns better with instructional approach A than with approach B, whereas a student with attribute 2 learns better with instructional approach B).Of 65 analyses reported in 48 studies, only 9 analyses (14%) showed significant interactions between CLS and instructional approach. It seems that aptitude-treatment interactions with CLSs are at best infrequent and small in magnitude. There are several possible explanations for this lack of effect. First, the influence of strong instructional methods likely dominates the impact of CLSs. Second, current methods for assessing CLSs lack validity evidence and are inadequate to accurately characterize the individual learner. Third, theories are vague, and empiric evidence is virtually nonexistent to guide the planning of style-targeted instructional designs. Adaptation to learners' CLSs thus seems unlikely to enhance CAI. The author recommends that educators focus on employing strong instructional methods. Educators might also consider assessing and adapting to learners' prior knowledge or allowing learners to select among alternate instructional approaches.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007858 Learning Relatively permanent change in behavior that is the result of past experience or practice. The concept includes the acquisition of knowledge. Phenomenography
D003071 Cognition Intellectual or mental process whereby an organism obtains knowledge. Cognitive Function,Cognitions,Cognitive Functions,Function, Cognitive,Functions, Cognitive
D003194 Computer-Assisted Instruction A self-learning technique, usually online, involving interaction of the student with programmed instructional materials. Programmed Instruction, Computerized,Self-Instruction Programs, Computerized,Computer Assisted Instruction,Computer-Assisted Instructions,Computerized Programmed Instruction,Computerized Self-Instruction Program,Computerized Self-Instruction Programs,Instruction, Computer-Assisted,Instruction, Computerized Programmed,Instructions, Computer-Assisted,Program, Computerized Self-Instruction,Programs, Computerized Self-Instruction,Self Instruction Programs, Computerized,Self-Instruction Program, Computerized
D004501 Education, Medical Use for general articles concerning medical education. Medical Education
D004517 Education, Professional Formal education and training in preparation for the practice of a profession. Professional Education
D004521 Educational Measurement The assessing of academic or educational achievement. It includes all aspects of testing and test construction. Assessment, Educational,Graduate Records Examination,Educational Assessment,Examination, Graduate Records,Measurement, Educational,Assessments, Educational,Educational Assessments,Educational Measurements,Examinations, Graduate Records,Graduate Records Examinations,Measurements, Educational
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D001076 Aptitude The ability to acquire general or special types of knowledge or skill. Ability,Talent,Abilities,Aptitudes,Talents
D017145 Models, Educational Theoretical models which propose methods of learning or teaching as a basis or adjunct to changes in attitude or behavior. These educational interventions are usually applied in the fields of health and patient education but are not restricted to patient care. Educational Models,Instructional Models,Educational Model,Instructional Model,Model, Educational,Model, Instructional,Models, Instructional

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