Understanding Cognitive Styles and Learning Styles in Education

By
Dr. Ajit Mondal
Dr. Ajit Mondal
Assistant Professor, Department of Education
Assistant Professor, Department of Education
West Bengal State University
West Bengal State University
Cognitive Styles and Learning Styles
Cognitive Style
Cognitive Style
Cognitive style is an area of psychology which investigates
Cognitive style is an area of psychology which investigates
the preferred style of thinking and problem-solving an
the preferred style of thinking and problem-solving an
individual may have. 
individual may have. 
Cognitive style is also defined in a
Cognitive style is also defined in a
range of different ways, as:
range of different ways, as:
a certain approach to problem-solving, based on
a certain approach to problem-solving, based on
intellectual schemes of thought;
intellectual schemes of thought;
individual characteristics of cognitive processing which
individual characteristics of cognitive processing which
are peculiar to a particular individual;
are peculiar to a particular individual;
a person’s typical approach to learning activities and
a person’s typical approach to learning activities and
problem-solving;
problem-solving;
strategies, or regular mental behaviours, habitually
strategies, or regular mental behaviours, habitually
applied by an individual to problem-solving.
applied by an individual to problem-solving.
Cognitive styles describe how the individual
Cognitive styles describe how the individual
acquires knowledge (cognition) and processes
acquires knowledge (cognition) and processes
information (conceptualization).
information (conceptualization).
Cognitive styles are related to mental behaviors
Cognitive styles are related to mental behaviors
which individuals apply habitually when they are
which individuals apply habitually when they are
solving problems.
solving problems.
Cognitive style is usually described as a
Cognitive style is usually described as a
stable and persistent personality dimension
stable and persistent personality dimension
which influences attitudes, values, and social
which influences attitudes, values, and social
interaction.
interaction.
It is a characteristic of cognitive processing
It is a characteristic of cognitive processing
which is particular to a certain individual or
which is particular to a certain individual or
class of individuals.
class of individuals.
Learning Styles
Learning
Learning
Learning is a complex process where teacher, learning
Learning is a complex process where teacher, learning
material, student’s motivation and several other aspects
material, student’s motivation and several other aspects
interact with each other. Everyone has his/her own style of
interact with each other. Everyone has his/her own style of
learning which can also vary from one situation to another.
learning which can also vary from one situation to another.
Because of the variety of learning theories and styles, one
Because of the variety of learning theories and styles, one
can choose flexibly different strategies and styles in
can choose flexibly different strategies and styles in
situations so as to use the most efficient one. The better
situations so as to use the most efficient one. The better
one is aware of his own learning styles, the better he can
one is aware of his own learning styles, the better he can
use them to his advantage in learning.
use them to his advantage in learning.
Learning styles classify different ways pupils
Learning styles classify different ways pupils
learn and how they approach information; like
learn and how they approach information; like
acting and reflecting; vision and audition;
acting and reflecting; vision and audition;
memorizing and visualizing; reasoning logically
memorizing and visualizing; reasoning logically
and intuitively. The concept of learning styles has
and intuitively. The concept of learning styles has
steadily gained influence in recent years.
steadily gained influence in recent years.
Learning style is the way in which each learner
Learning style is the way in which each learner
begins to concentrate on, process, absorb, and
begins to concentrate on, process, absorb, and
retain new and difficult information.
retain new and difficult information.
“Learning Styles” has been regarded as one of the most
“Learning Styles” has been regarded as one of the most
important factors that control the way pupils learn. There is
important factors that control the way pupils learn. There is
also a propensity to match students’ learning styles to the
also a propensity to match students’ learning styles to the
“teaching styles” of concerned teachers. In the realm of
“teaching styles” of concerned teachers. In the realm of
instructional design, the emphasis has gradually shifted
instructional design, the emphasis has gradually shifted
towards achieving a match between the way learning
towards achieving a match between the way learning
resource materials are presented and the learning styles of
resource materials are presented and the learning styles of
the learners themselves. There is a strong tendency for
the learners themselves. There is a strong tendency for
teachers and course designers to pay closer attention to
teachers and course designers to pay closer attention to
students’ learning styles – by diagnosing them, encouraging
students’ learning styles – by diagnosing them, encouraging
students to
students to
By recognizing and understanding one’s own
By recognizing and understanding one’s own
learning style, techniques better suited to
learning style, techniques better suited to
learning can be used. Thus the speed and
learning can be used. Thus the speed and
quality of learning can be increased. Knowledge
quality of learning can be increased. Knowledge
of one’s learning style is very important as it
of one’s learning style is very important as it
helps a person to be more productive and
helps a person to be more productive and
creative, to increase achievement, to improve
creative, to increase achievement, to improve
problem solving skills, to make better decisions,
problem solving skills, to make better decisions,
and to learn more effectively.
and to learn more effectively.
What is a learning style? Bennett (1990) stated that learning style
What is a learning style? Bennett (1990) stated that learning style
is a consistent pattern of behaviour and performance by which an
is a consistent pattern of behaviour and performance by which an
individual approaches educational experiences. It is the
individual approaches educational experiences. It is the
composite of characteristic cognitive, affective, and
composite of characteristic cognitive, affective, and
physiological behaviours that serve as relatively stable indicators
physiological behaviours that serve as relatively stable indicators
of how a learner perceives, interacts with, and responds to the
of how a learner perceives, interacts with, and responds to the
learning environment. (Bennett 1990, p. 140)
learning environment. (Bennett 1990, p. 140)
So, a learning style is a preferred way of
So, a learning style is a preferred way of
learning and studying; for example, using
learning and studying; for example, using
pictures instead of text; working in groups
pictures instead of text; working in groups
as opposed to working alone; or learning in a
as opposed to working alone; or learning in a
structured
structured
 
 
rather than an unstructured
rather than an unstructured
manner.
manner.
The term ‘learning preferences’ is also widely used to refer to
The term ‘learning preferences’ is also widely used to refer to
what we shall here refer to as
what we shall here refer to as
Learning Style’. Learning style is
Learning Style’. Learning style is
defined variously as:
defined variously as:
a particular way in which an individual learns;
a particular way in which an individual learns;
a mode of learning – an individual’s preferred or best manner(s) in
a mode of learning – an individual’s preferred or best manner(s) in
which to think, process information and demonstrate learning;
which to think, process information and demonstrate learning;
an individual’s preferred means of acquiring knowledge and skills;
an individual’s preferred means of acquiring knowledge and skills;
habits, strategies, or regular mental behaviours concerning
habits, strategies, or regular mental behaviours concerning
learning, particularly deliberate educational learning, that an
learning, particularly deliberate educational learning, that an
individual displays.
individual displays.
The term learning styles correspond to the
The term learning styles correspond to the
understanding that every individual learns differently.
understanding that every individual learns differently.
 Learning style may be defined as ‘a learner’s consistent
 Learning style may be defined as ‘a learner’s consistent
way of responding to and using stimuli in the context of
way of responding to and using stimuli in the context of
learning’.
learning’.
Learning styles define the way how people learn and
Learning styles define the way how people learn and
how they approach information.
how they approach information.
 It is a pattern of behaviour that human beings use for
 It is a pattern of behaviour that human beings use for
new learning.
new learning.
An individual’s learning style refers to the preferential way in
An individual’s learning style refers to the preferential way in
which the learner absorbs processes, comprehends and retains
which the learner absorbs processes, comprehends and retains
information.
information.
Different learners learn in a variety of ways, by seeing and
Different learners learn in a variety of ways, by seeing and
hearing, working alone and in groups, reasoning logically and
hearing, working alone and in groups, reasoning logically and
intuitively and sometimes by memorizing or visualizing.
intuitively and sometimes by memorizing or visualizing.
 Thus, since, everyone is different, it is important for teachers
 Thus, since, everyone is different, it is important for teachers
to understand the differences in learners’ learning styles, so that
to understand the differences in learners’ learning styles, so that
they can implement best practice strategies into their daily
they can implement best practice strategies into their daily
activities, curriculum and assessments.
activities, curriculum and assessments.
VARK is an acronym that refers to the four types of learning styles:
VARK is an acronym that refers to the four types of learning styles:
Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing Preference, and Kinesthetic.
Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing Preference, and Kinesthetic.
1)
Visual learners 
Visual learners 
prefer the use of images, maps and graphic
prefer the use of images, maps and graphic
organizers to access and understand new information.
organizers to access and understand new information.
2)
Auditory learners 
Auditory learners 
best understand new content through
best understand new content through
listening and speaking in situations such as lectures and group
listening and speaking in situations such as lectures and group
discussions.
discussions.
3)
Learners with a strong reading/writing preference 
Learners with a strong reading/writing preference 
learn best
learn best
through words. These learners are able to translate abstract
through words. These learners are able to translate abstract
concepts into words and essays.
concepts into words and essays.
4)
Kinesthetic learners 
Kinesthetic learners 
best understand information through
best understand information through
tactile representation of information. They learn best through
tactile representation of information. They learn best through
figuring things out by hand.
figuring things out by hand.
Visual learners (learning through seeing): 
These learners need
These learners need
to see the teacher's body language and facial expression to fully
to see the teacher's body language and facial expression to fully
understand the content of a lesson. They tend to prefer sitting at
understand the content of a lesson. They tend to prefer sitting at
the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions (e.g.,
the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions (e.g.,
people's heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from
people's heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from
visual displays, including diagrams, illustrated textbooks,
visual displays, including diagrams, illustrated textbooks,
overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts, and handouts. During
overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts, and handouts. During
a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to
a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to
take detailed notes to absorb the information.
take detailed notes to absorb the information.
Auditory learners (learning through listening): 
Auditory learners (learning through listening): 
They learn
They learn
best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things
best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things
through, and listening to what others have to say. Auditory
through, and listening to what others have to say. Auditory
learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech by
learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech by
listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed, and other nuances.
listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed, and other nuances.
Written information may have little meaning until it is heard.
Written information may have little meaning until it is heard.
These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and
These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and
using a tape recorder.
using a tape recorder.
Tactile or kinesthetic learners (learning by moving, doing,
Tactile or kinesthetic learners (learning by moving, doing,
and touching...: 
and touching...: 
They
They
 
 
learn best through a hands-on
learn best through a hands-on
approach, actively exploring the physical world
approach, actively exploring the physical world
 
 
around them.
around them.
They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may
They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may
become
become
 
 
distracted by their need for activity and exploration.
distracted by their need for activity and exploration.
Teachers should assess the learning styles of their
learners and adapt their classroom method to best
fit each learner’s learning style. Thus, according to
‘meshing hypothesis’, they learn better. Meshing
hypothesis means a learner/ learns better if taught
in a method deemed appropriate for her/him.
Activity: 
Activity: 
Observe your classroom
Observe your classroom
and try to identify your learners
and try to identify your learners
with different learning styles. It will
with different learning styles. It will
help you to design your teaching-
help you to design your teaching-
learning experiences more
learning experiences more
effectively.
effectively.
What is the difference
What is the difference
between learning styles
between learning styles
and cognitive styles?
and cognitive styles?
Cognitive styles are individual characteristics of cognitive
Cognitive styles are individual characteristics of cognitive
processing which are particular to a certain individual or class
processing which are particular to a certain individual or class
of individuals, 
of individuals, 
whereas a learning style is the manner in which
whereas a learning style is the manner in which
a learner perceives, interacts with, and responds to the
a learner perceives, interacts with, and responds to the
learning environment.
learning environment.
Components of learning styles are the cognitive, affective,
Components of learning styles are the cognitive, affective,
and physiological elements, all of which may be strongly
and physiological elements, all of which may be strongly
influenced by a person's cultural background.
influenced by a person's cultural background.
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Cognitive styles explore an individual's preferred way of thinking and problem-solving, while learning styles delve into how individuals acquire and process information. These styles influence attitudes, values, and social interactions. By understanding one's own cognitive and learning styles, one can optimize their learning process effectively. Learning styles encompass various approaches to learning, allowing for flexibility in strategies based on individual preferences.


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  1. Cognitive Styles and Learning Styles Cognitive Styles and Learning Styles By Dr. Ajit Mondal Assistant Professor, Department of Education West Bengal State University

  2. Cognitive Style

  3. Cognitive style is an area of psychology which investigates the preferred style of thinking and problem-solving an individual may have. Cognitive style is also defined in a range of different ways, as: a certain approach to problem-solving, based on intellectual schemes of thought; individual characteristics of cognitive processing which are peculiar to a particular individual; a person s typical approach to learning activities and problem-solving; strategies, or regular mental behaviours, habitually applied by an individual to problem-solving.

  4. Cognitive styles describe how the individual acquires knowledge (cognition) and processes information (conceptualization). Cognitive styles are related to mental behaviors which individuals apply habitually when they are solving problems.

  5. Cognitive style is usually described as a stable and persistent personality dimension which influences attitudes, values, and social interaction. It is a characteristic of cognitive processing which is particular to a certain individual or class of individuals.

  6. Learning Styles

  7. Learning Learning is a complex process where teacher, learning material, student s motivation and several other aspects interact with each other. Everyone has his/her own style of learning which can also vary from one situation to another. Because of the variety of learning theories and styles, one can choose flexibly different strategies and styles in situations so as to use the most efficient one. The better one is aware of his own learning styles, the better he can use them to his advantage in learning.

  8. Learning styles classify different ways pupils learn and how they approach information; like acting and reflecting; vision and audition; memorizing and visualizing; reasoning logically and intuitively. The concept of learning styles has steadily gained influence in recent years. Learning style is the way in which each learner begins to concentrate on, process, absorb, and retain new and difficult information.

  9. LearningStyles has been regarded as one of the most important factors that control the way pupils learn. There is also a propensity to match students learning styles to the teachingstyles of concerned teachers. In the realm of instructional design, the emphasis has gradually shifted towards achieving a match between the way learning resource materials are presented and the learning styles of the learners themselves. There is a strong tendency for teachers and course designers to pay closer attention to students learning styles by diagnosing them, encouraging students to

  10. By recognizing and understanding ones own learning style, techniques better suited to learning can be used. Thus the speed and quality of learning can be increased. Knowledge of one s learning style is very important as it helps a person to be more productive and creative, to increase achievement, to improve problem solving skills, to make better decisions, and to learn more effectively.

  11. What is a learning style? Bennett (1990) stated that learning style is a consistent pattern of behaviour and performance by which an individual approaches educational experiences. It is the composite of characteristic physiological behaviours that serve as relatively stable indicators of how a learner perceives, interacts with, and responds to the learning environment. (Bennett 1990, p. 140) cognitive, affective, and

  12. So, a learning style is a preferred way of learning and studying; for example, using pictures instead of text; working in groups as opposed to working alone; or learning in a structured rather than an unstructured manner.

  13. The term learningpreferences is also widely used to refer to what we shall here refer to as Learning Style . Learning style is defined variously as: a particular way in which an individual learns; a mode of learning an individual s preferred or best manner(s) in which to think, process information and demonstrate learning; an individual s preferred means of acquiring knowledge and skills; habits, strategies, or regular mental behaviours concerning learning, particularly deliberate educational learning, that an individual displays.

  14. The understanding that every individual learns differently. term learning styles correspond to the Learning style may be defined as alearner s consistent way of responding to and using stimuli in the context of learning . Learning styles define the way how people learn and how they approach information. It is a pattern of behaviour that human beings use for new learning.

  15. An individuals learning style refers to the preferential way in which the learner absorbs processes, comprehends and retains information. Different learners learn in a variety of ways, by seeing and hearing, working alone and in groups, reasoning logically and intuitively and sometimes by memorizing or visualizing. Thus, since, everyone is different, it is important for teachers to understand the differences in learners learning styles, so that they can implement best practice strategies into their daily activities, curriculum and assessments.

  16. VARK is an acronym that refers to the four types of learning styles: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing Preference, and Kinesthetic. 1) Visual learners prefer the use of images, maps and graphic organizers to access and understand new information. 2) Auditory learners best understand new content through listening and speaking in situations such as lectures and group discussions. 3) Learners with a strong reading/writing preference learn best through words. These learners are able to translate abstract concepts into words and essays. 4) Kinesthetic learners best understand information through tactile representation of information. They learn best through figuring things out by hand.

  17. Visual learners (learning through seeing): These learners need to see the teacher's body language and facial expression to fully understand the content of a lesson. They tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions (e.g., people's heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from visual displays, including diagrams, illustrated textbooks, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts, and handouts. During a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed notes to absorb the information.

  18. Auditory learners (learning through listening): They learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through, and listening to what others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech by listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed, and other nuances. Written information may have little meaning until it is heard. These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder.

  19. Tactile or kinesthetic learners (learning by moving, doing, and touching...: They learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around them. They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need for activity and exploration.

  20. Teachers should assess the learning styles of their learners and adapt their classroom method to best fit each learner s learning style. Thus, according to meshinghypothesis , they learn better. Meshing hypothesis means a learner/ learns better if taught in a method deemed appropriate for her/him.

  21. Activity: Observe your classroom and try to identify your learners with different learning styles. It will help you to design your teaching- learning experiences effectively. more

  22. What is the difference between learning styles and cognitive styles?

  23. Cognitive styles are individual characteristics of cognitive processing which are particular to a certain individual or class of individuals, whereas a learning style is the manner in which a learner perceives, interacts with, and responds to the learning environment. Components of learning styles are the cognitive, affective, and physiological elements, all of which may be strongly influenced by a person's cultural background.

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