Anat Sci Educ January 2019 PMID 29533532

Another Nail in the Coffin for Learning Styles? Disparities among Undergraduate Anatomy Students' Study Strategies, Class Performance, and Reported VARK Learning Styles.

Polly R Husmann, Valerie Dean O'Loughlin

Mentions

106
Peak: 3 in Jan 2019
across 5 sources since Jan 2019

Extended reach

977,546
potential audience

Total likes

16,290

Video views

580,596

Mentions per month

Jan 2019 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter53 posts
  • News33 articles
  • Blogs10 articles
  • YouTube5 videos
  • Facebook5 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reveal strong agreement with the article, with many posters citing specific research, such as Husmann & O'Loughlin (2019), and emphasizing the myth's debunking. Words like 'nail in the coffin' and phrases like 'disproving them' highlight the community's consensus and the perceived importance of debunking this widespread but unsupported concept.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly agree with the article's findings, emphasizing that learning styles lack scientific support and should be rejected by educators.

InterestHigh interest

Posts demonstrate high curiosity and concern regarding the myth of learning styles and its implications for education.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many comments reference specific studies, mention related literature, and show deep reflections, indicating thorough engagement with the topic.

ImpactHigh impact

The collective tone suggests the discussions reinforce a significant shift away from the traditional belief in learning styles, potentially influencing educational practices.

Abstract in brief

  • The study investigates whether undergraduate anatomy students' use of study strategies aligns with their self-reported VARK learning styles and if this alignment affects their course performance.
  • Results show that most students did not tailor their study strategies to match their VARK learning styles, and there was no significant link between VARK types and course outcomes.
  • Additionally, certain study strategies, such as using virtual microscopes, improved grades regardless of students' VARK preferences, suggesting that traditional beliefs about learning styles may not be valid.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Ana Lorena Fabrega
@anafabrega11 · X

2. Tailoring instruction to match learning styles ≠ better learning outcomes In this study, for example, students where asked to take a questionnaire to find out their learning style and prepare on a topic using strategies that matched their style. https://t.co/igoWfNNDTo

May 2, 2021 · 26 likes · 1 share · 161,415 followers View post →
Neetu Arnold
@neetu_arnold · X

NOT REAL https://t.co/pxq4jJ1gZM https://t.co/OpmKlb4dGG

Oct 30, 2025 · 24 likes · 1 share · 5,828 followers View post →
THE B
@iangattphysio · X

@paintoolkit2 @Retlouping @Connect2Physio @WillGosteopath @adamdobson123 @AdamMeakins @MyCuppaJo @Irish_Physio @mccauleyandrew @KWernliPhysio @BillingMartin @ShoulderGeek1 @GregLehman @erikMeira @TrustmePhysio @PalingClaire @TheBackPainPod_ @rob_chiro @Dr_OliverT_PhD @WordsClinical @OnlinePhysios Not to be a ball buster but learning styles have been defined as a myth. Here is one study to support this notion https://t.co/JjOOhOIJWQ So although might be nice to ask how people perceive they learn best, it appears that it will not necessary actually make them learn better

Nov 26, 2020 · 7 likes · 1 share · 3,388 followers View post →
TheLawOfAverages
@thelawofaverage · X

@RobertFernandez @eyeslasho Learning styles consistently fail to predict student learning. "Another Nail in the Coffin for Learning Styles?" "this research provides further evidence that the conventional wisdom about learning styles should be rejected by educators and students" https://t.co/wDyysPc48c

Sep 23, 2024 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 2,801 followers View post →
Petteri Kallio
@petterikallio · X

Erilaisten oppimistyylien aika taitaa olla ohi? Tässä yksi tutkimus vahvistamaan asiaa. Tämä ei mielestäni poista sitä faktaa että jokaisen kannattaa oppia itselle mielekkäimmällä tavalla. Mitä muita vastaavia tutkimuksia on? #jatkuvaoppiminen https://t.co/XiTJBqmnyI

Sep 19, 2020 · 7 likes · 2,501 followers View post →
Lisa
@elisabetguwanto · X

oke, kita mulai dari poin pertama dulu. salah satu penelitian tentang topik ini adalah dari Anatomical Sciences Education tahun 2018. ternyata, hasilnya di luar dugaan. https://t.co/TchyL8PJF3

Apr 30, 2021 · 4 likes · 127,748 followers View post →

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Henrik von Mentzer
@johngelis · X

RT @neetu_arnold: NOT REAL https://t.co/pxq4jJ1gZM https://t.co/OpmKlb4dGG

Nov 1, 2025 · 1 share · 610 followers View post →
Neetu Arnold
@neetu_arnold · X

NOT REAL https://t.co/pxq4jJ1gZM https://t.co/OpmKlb4dGG

Oct 30, 2025 · 24 likes · 1 share · 5,828 followers View post →
Shanel
@Shanel4180 · X

Studies Referenced: Husmann & O'Loughlin (2019) https://t.co/FfK5aed8Xm Newton & Miah (2017) https://t.co/jY1jptx6bd Rohrer & Pashler (2012) https://t.co/eyISkJg5C1

Feb 10, 2025 View post →
Roald Amundsen
@JohnTrent120911 · X

RT @thelawofaverage: @RobertFernandez @eyeslasho Learning styles consistently fail to predict student learning. "Another Nail in the Coffi…

Dec 15, 2024 · 3 shares · 27 followers View post →
Normal person
@NormalPerson5D0 · X

RT @thelawofaverage: @RobertFernandez @eyeslasho Learning styles consistently fail to predict student learning. "Another Nail in the Coffi…

Sep 23, 2024 · 3 shares · 326 followers View post →
TheLawOfAverages
@thelawofaverage · X

RT @thelawofaverage: @RobertFernandez @eyeslasho Learning styles consistently fail to predict student learning. "Another Nail in the Coffi…

Sep 23, 2024 · 3 shares · 2,801 followers View post →
TheLawOfAverages
@thelawofaverage · X

@RobertFernandez @eyeslasho Learning styles consistently fail to predict student learning. "Another Nail in the Coffin for Learning Styles?" "this research provides further evidence that the conventional wisdom about learning styles should be rejected by educators and students" https://t.co/wDyysPc48c

Sep 23, 2024 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 2,801 followers View post →
Anatomical Sciences Education
@AnatSciEduc · X

RT @SeanCMcWatt: @amandameyerphd @westernuFHS @AnatomyOrg @AnatSciEduc Too true, @amandameyerphd. Scream it from the rooftops! https://t.c…

Aug 13, 2024 · 1 share · 2,662 followers View post →
Sean McWatt
@SeanCMcWatt · X

@amandameyerphd @westernuFHS @AnatomyOrg @AnatSciEduc Too true, @amandameyerphd. Scream it from the rooftops! https://t.co/mEr8uLRGnu

Aug 13, 2024 · 2 likes · 1 share · 950 followers View post →
Dr Amanda J. Meyer linkedin.com/in/amandameyerphd
@amandameyerphd · X

@michaelkoot https://t.co/B6SLOfwrV6

Mar 17, 2024 · 4,130 followers View post →
alexander naumochkin (@dorjechang@bsd.cafe)
@dorjechang · X

@BTobotras @fillpackart Боря, Флеминговская идея (VARK) всегда была в стиле “Я так вижу”. Когда за дело взялась наука, идея обосралась неоднократно. https://t.co/Zmkn7FN4Pg https://t.co/YscXFrmiFt

Jan 15, 2024 · 561 followers View post →
Toby Anderson
@youve_got_toby · X

@maidensheildio @Rainmaker1973 https://t.co/jofXBpX9Ds "The contrast between the enormous popularity of the learning-styles approach within education and the lack of credible evidence for its utility is striking and disturbing." https://t.co/hiTq72QrnE https://t.co/wepzxIOmo5 https://t.co/9t127gVOiQ

Oct 9, 2023 · 104 followers View post →
Dr Rachael Door
@RachaelEllen_ · X

@Uksportsmed Not so recent but still really interesting: https://t.co/1PsABXBgAS

Aug 24, 2023 · 1,315 followers View post →
Job Fransen
@JobFran3 · X

@kearney_phil Most often, these three: https://t.co/IICYcUP1Ug https://t.co/c08qtseXDT https://t.co/vj2fBnCdw7

Aug 16, 2023 · 4 likes · 647 followers View post →
Dr Amanda J. Meyer linkedin.com/in/amandameyerphd
@amandameyerphd · X

@embryoprof Don't forget this gem from @vdoloughlin & Dr Polly Husmann https://t.co/DYLnnPC1F8

May 17, 2023 · 2 likes · 4,130 followers View post →
Sonic Reducer
@indole_gaines · X

Another self-licking ice cream cone? VARK! https://t.co/6WzTj4nRQ2

May 12, 2023 · 966 followers View post →
The GOD Himself
@TheGODHimself8 · X

@RangerDave2001 @james_zeigler @JohnPatLeary It is not my field, so there are likely some better/more important ones. But e.g. an interesting one with "suggestive title" (available on sci-hub) https://t.co/cCqQ8N0sKv a 15 yo review, probably more interesting read (though potentially outdated) https://t.co/oKmpeVQ4m3

Apr 23, 2023 · 6 followers View post →
Helly
@hellystia · X

Spending lots of time in this preceptor class going over "individual learning styles." Guess what, fam. Few studies support this. It's largely a myth. Yes, information is absorbed differently by different people. I'm neurodivergent too. But look! https://t.co/6GBUXnXnFh

Feb 22, 2023 · 266 followers View post →
Crackademic
@Crackademic1 · X

@dkburton @mattyglesias > learning styles. Nah. https://t.co/KnpoxyDD11

Jan 21, 2023 · 4 followers View post →
Ratel
@ratelsantos · X

"fonte" Husmann, P. R., & O'Loughlin, V. D. (2019). Another nail in the coffin for learning styles? Disparities among undergraduate anatomy students’ study strategies, class performance, and reported VARK learning styles. Anatomical sciences education, https://t.co/hKpnVNf7d4

Jul 14, 2022 · 95 followers View post →
Dr Jacqueline Dohaney (she/her)
@jackiedohaney · X

Excited to dispel the learning styles myth in an @UoE_IAD Decoding the Literature SoTL seminar next week. We will be discussing Husmann and O'Loughlin (2019) article that puts the 'nail in the coffin' https://t.co/NF8lTXpxic

Jun 20, 2022 · 1 like · 380 followers View post →
David PF
@Prunell_Talent · X

@TMitrosilis https://t.co/7VhqgArC44

Jun 2, 2022 · 1,215 followers View post →
Stephanie Rogen
@StephanieRogen · X

RT @DrSarahGoldin: See, for example: https://t.co/SMUlaq1SFM https://t.co/1AbOOsJ0Ko https://t.co/Bn0jt6hJQ1

Mar 12, 2022 · 1 share · 1,070 followers View post →
Dr Sarah Goldin
@DrSarahGoldin · X

See, for example: https://t.co/SMUlaq1SFM https://t.co/1AbOOsJ0Ko https://t.co/Bn0jt6hJQ1 https://t.co/mDpaNLmrLI

Mar 11, 2022 · 1 like · 1 share · 405 followers View post →
Chadiristic
@matana_l · X

@SepticRat @skygamer69 @Maatougui_Firas Gladly https://t.co/yTgELHc2QF https://t.co/7Kfy5ZJA97 https://t.co/rZ6VcC0cnB https://t.co/qxhvB5ZYrS https://t.co/15KDQTgAVI https://t.co/EhvU8v3qot There are probably more that you can find with some Google search.

Feb 17, 2022 · 1 like · 68 followers View post →
uuepa
@xuuepa · X

@nanasalazar @SoyLuisOsorio @luiscrh https://t.co/KDMEPxnBca https://t.co/BrqVrS3Qej No, nunca se probó científicamente que los estilos de aprendizaje tuvieran base alguna, fue hasta que fueron revisados que se encontró que eran una "historia" compatible con lo que la gente quería aprender...

Jan 24, 2022 · 51 followers View post →
Cahit Erdem
@cahiterdem · X

@selcukdogann https://t.co/acXdHVbku6

Dec 13, 2021 · 3 likes · 1,357 followers View post →
Muhammad Rifa'i Al-Farabi
@elferabi · X

@ardihih @fahmifhf Gapapa kamu bener kok, bahasanya aja dipersopan sesuai selera masyarakat Indonesia hahaha. Dan sebenanrya ga ada itu "tipe belajar" menurut banyak penelitian @fahmifhf - https://t.co/citLQ1judD - https://t.co/hI84VUueO9

Aug 21, 2021 · 248 followers View post →
Leon
@LeonNederland · X

@knapvilla Deze link is vrij recent, uit 2018. Helder verhaal over de mythe van leefstijlen. https://t.co/nTRCQx7B2Y

Jul 11, 2021 · 1,258 followers View post →
Melinda Buchanan
@ML_Buchanan · X

@MultiSci @ERobbPrincipal @nj_maire But the "learning styles" thinking is being questioned: https://t.co/E6AYn6iQTb

Jun 13, 2021 · 482 followers View post →
Mirza Yawar Baig
@myawarbaig · X

RT @anafabrega11: 2. Tailoring instruction to match learning styles ≠ better learning outcomes In this study, for example, students where…

May 8, 2021 · 1 share · 8,544 followers View post →
Ana Lorena Fabrega
@anafabrega11 · X

2. Tailoring instruction to match learning styles ≠ better learning outcomes In this study, for example, students where asked to take a questionnaire to find out their learning style and prepare on a topic using strategies that matched their style. https://t.co/igoWfNNDTo

May 2, 2021 · 26 likes · 1 share · 161,415 followers View post →
Lisa
@elisabetguwanto · X

oke, kita mulai dari poin pertama dulu. salah satu penelitian tentang topik ini adalah dari Anatomical Sciences Education tahun 2018. ternyata, hasilnya di luar dugaan. https://t.co/TchyL8PJF3

Apr 30, 2021 · 4 likes · 127,748 followers View post →
Emma Kennedy
@EmmaKEdDev · X

@bparsia Yes! I tend to use Pashler et al (https://t.co/Eb5LZIx9FM) as a first step, and also useful reading for people (like me) new to psychology and ways of being robust about this stuff. I also like https://t.co/pUSiDDhPmD as more recent

Apr 28, 2021 · 4,430 followers View post →
Dr. JC Andersen
@jcandersen84 · X

@crucesaggie @YoungProf_AT @RMATAD7 @NATA1950 Thanks for sparking this thread @YoungProf_AT. To throw a contrary view in - is there such a thing as learning style and do we/students use it? Some recent data suggests not really. https://t.co/hlp09i052o

Mar 22, 2021 · 4 likes · 483 followers View post →
Bonnie Culp King
@bonnieculpking · X

@JaneBozarth @MrZachG Glad to see another nail in that coffin https://t.co/BkneEAvpFL

Jan 30, 2021 · 2 likes · 321 followers View post →
Adrian Trujillo Uscanga
@adriantrujillou · X

Another Nail in the Coffin for Learning Styles? Disparities among Undergraduate Anatomy Students’ Study Strategies, Class Performance, and Reported VARK Learning Styles https://t.co/xRybKn4V0U

Dec 23, 2020 · 747 followers View post →
Jo Gibson
@ShoulderGeek1 · X

RT @iangattphysio: @paintoolkit2 @Retlouping @Connect2Physio @WillGosteopath @adamdobson123 @AdamMeakins @MyCuppaJo @Irish_Physio @mccauley…

Nov 26, 2020 · 1 share · 30,540 followers View post →
THE B
@iangattphysio · X

@paintoolkit2 @Retlouping @Connect2Physio @WillGosteopath @adamdobson123 @AdamMeakins @MyCuppaJo @Irish_Physio @mccauleyandrew @KWernliPhysio @BillingMartin @ShoulderGeek1 @GregLehman @erikMeira @TrustmePhysio @PalingClaire @TheBackPainPod_ @rob_chiro @Dr_OliverT_PhD @WordsClinical @OnlinePhysios Not to be a ball buster but learning styles have been defined as a myth. Here is one study to support this notion https://t.co/JjOOhOIJWQ So although might be nice to ask how people perceive they learn best, it appears that it will not necessary actually make them learn better

Nov 26, 2020 · 7 likes · 1 share · 3,388 followers View post →
nabil
@semangkaberuang · X

https://t.co/lk4DdUK6Rg

Nov 13, 2020 · 257 followers View post →
Chris – ADHD in the Workplace
@chriswaterguy · X

Help? Looking for copy of paper: "Another Nail in the Coffin for Learning Styles? Disparities among Undergraduate Anatomy Students’ Study Strategies, Class Performance, and Reported VARK Learning Styles" https://t.co/o2E24ylHus Not on Libgen/Scihub - you know, hypothetically…

Oct 8, 2020 · 1 like · 1,964 followers View post →
Petteri Kallio
@petterikallio · X

Erilaisten oppimistyylien aika taitaa olla ohi? Tässä yksi tutkimus vahvistamaan asiaa. Tämä ei mielestäni poista sitä faktaa että jokaisen kannattaa oppia itselle mielekkäimmällä tavalla. Mitä muita vastaavia tutkimuksia on? #jatkuvaoppiminen https://t.co/XiTJBqmnyI

Sep 19, 2020 · 7 likes · 2,501 followers View post →
Allison Sullivan
@_allisulli · X

@MTiltonOTA I like to share this article as well, to promote critical thinking https://t.co/6jCsLszsx3 https://t.co/tDhqcsfJIu

Sep 13, 2020 · 2 likes · 4,769 followers View post →
corie ‧₊˚ ❀⋅
@koriebrayngurz · X

@viahailey No!! I said that there is not enough evidence to prove that learning styles are legitimate, but there are several studies disproving them - here are 2: https://t.co/yOeQbMtZcn https://t.co/xxrP44jM1G

Apr 10, 2020 · 823 followers View post →
Dra. Valeria Forlizzi
@DraForlizzi · X

RT @AnatomyOrg: @DW_LeeTeschler @DesignWorld Here's the research by @vdoloughlin & Polly Husmann published in @AnatSciEduc cited in @Design…

Nov 10, 2019 · 1 share · 667 followers View post →
American Association for Anatomy
@AnatomyOrg · X

@DW_LeeTeschler @DesignWorld Here's the research by @vdoloughlin & Polly Husmann published in @AnatSciEduc cited in @DesignWorld: "Another Nail in the Coffin for #LearningStyles? Disparities among Undergraduate Anatomy Students’ Study Strategies, Class Performance..." https://t.co/ZlhOCo0x3I #anatomy #anated

Nov 8, 2019 · 2 likes · 1 share · 5,856 followers View post →
Mike Martynowicz
@mikemartynowicz · X

Just came across what is possibly my favorite title for a study related to "learning styles." https://t.co/yX4LPBFg5F

Sep 13, 2019 · 209 followers View post →
José María Rodríguez
@jmrlorite · X

«A great deal of research has shown that changing presentation or teaching strategies to align with student learning styles does not improve outcomes enough to justify the financial or temporal costs involved». https://t.co/XksM0ANz5f

Jul 2, 2019 · 259 followers View post →
UniSyd Anat & Histo
@anh_sydney · X

@__smithsmith More likely the experience of VR recreationally would be more important. Learning styles are loosing credibility for example https://t.co/PBgb81NklK

May 21, 2019 · 1 like · 845 followers View post →
Isela Valenzuela
@anaiselavl · X

Another Nail in the Coffin for Learning Styles? Disparities among Undergraduate Anatomy Students’ Study Strategies, Class Performance, and Reported VARK Learning Styles - Husmann - 2019 - Anatomical Sciences Education - Wiley Online Library https://t.co/9XIpNo3d8l

May 1, 2019 · 91 followers View post →
AskAnatomist
@AskAnatomist · X

RT @AnatSciEduc: CURRENT ISSUE: Learning styles and #anatomy education? @AnatSciEduc #ASE 'Another Nail in the Coffin for Learning Styles?…

Jan 28, 2019 · 5 shares · 2,633 followers View post →
Mohammad Rehan Asad
@mrehanasad79 · X

RT @AnatSciEduc: CURRENT ISSUE: Learning styles and #anatomy education? @AnatSciEduc #ASE 'Another Nail in the Coffin for Learning Styles?…

Jan 25, 2019 · 5 shares · 883 followers View post →
BACA
@BACA_Anatomy · X

RT @AnatSciEduc: CURRENT ISSUE: Learning styles and #anatomy education? @AnatSciEduc #ASE 'Another Nail in the Coffin for Learning Styles?…

Jan 25, 2019 · 5 shares · 2,737 followers View post →