Developing thoughtful students: using learning styles in an HE context

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of learning styles in developing learning in a higher education context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a case study of a year one introductory module for first‐year university students in a post‐1992 university.

Findings

It is suggested that learning styles in association with concepts of engagement and identity may be usefully and successfully employed in supporting, guiding and developing student learning. The importance of contextual factors is a factor that will influence learning strategies.

Originality/value

The paper is critical of other uses of learning styles and makes suggestions to develop and broaden the role of learning styles.

Citation

Pheiffer, G., Holley, D. and Andrew, D. (2005), "Developing thoughtful students: using learning styles in an HE context", Education + Training, Vol. 47 No. 6, pp. 422-431. https://doi.org/10.1108/00400910510617042