The Sorting Hat of Education: Busting the Myth of Multiple Learning Styles
We often hear that every child learns differently — but do “learning styles” still matter? According to Dr. Selina Samuels from Aussie Edu Hub, the long-held belief in rigid categories like visual, auditory, reading, and kinaesthetic learners has been debunked.
While it’s true that no two children learn in exactly the same way, research now shows that most people don’t fit neatly into one learning style. The notion that each student belongs to a fixed “type” requiring a specific teaching method — the so-called “sorting hat” of education — is outdated, even though it still lingers in classrooms and conversations.
Learning Is Influenced by Many Factors
The way a child learns is shaped by far more than their supposed “style.” Their literacy and numeracy skills, the amount of sleep they’ve had, the pressure they’re under, family circumstances, and other social factors all play a part. Every student brings their entire life into the classroom.
Labelling someone as purely auditory, visual, or kinaesthetic oversimplifies this reality. While each child is unique, there are strategies for absorbing information that benefit most learners, regardless of their background, subject, or age.
Common, Effective Ways Children Learn
1. Promoting Transparency and Clarity
Parents can make a big difference by helping children understand why they’re learning something. When they say, “I’ll never use this in real life,” explain how maths is essential for careers, budgeting, or running a household. Show how crafting a logical argument can help in everyday discussions and professional situations.
If your child doesn’t understand why they received a certain grade, encourage them to ask their teacher for an explanation. Feedback without clarity is unhelpful — and it’s worth advocating for transparency if you feel it’s lacking.
2. Breaking Information into Manageable Pieces
Most learners don’t absorb large chunks of information well. Instead, break down content and tasks into smaller, logical segments they can work through one at a time. This not only gives them a sense of accomplishment but also allows their understanding to grow step-by-step, each part building on the last.
3. Connecting Ideas Across Subjects
In school, subjects are often taught in isolation, but in reality, knowledge is interconnected. When students make links between concepts in different areas, they become better at applying what they know in new contexts.
This cross-connection strengthens neural pathways, making knowledge stick longer. Instead of cramming facts for an exam and forgetting them right after, they integrate information into their understanding for future use.
4. Learning by Teaching Others
One of the most effective ways for children to consolidate their learning is to teach it to someone else. As a parent, asking your child to explain a topic to you not only shows you what they’ve grasped but also boosts their confidence.
The key is to let them lead the “lesson” without correcting or outshining them. Giving them ownership of teaching you makes the experience both empowering and reinforcing.
At Aussie Edu Hub, we embrace these evidence-based learning principles to support students in ways that go beyond outdated labels. By focusing on understanding, connection, and active engagement, we help children develop skills that last a lifetime.
