Outdated Beliefs About Learning That Need to Be Left Behind in 2021

When the pandemic abruptly changed our lives in March 2020, it forced a reevaluation of how we live, work, and utilize our leisure time. While many sectors adapted relatively well to a digital format, education struggled significantly. As many of us have witnessed, the transition to virtual learning was far from seamless. Students and parents alike found themselves navigating a turbulent new landscape.

One major reason for this disruption lies in the persistence of outdated myths about learning that continue to influence our educational systems. Despite advancements in neuroscience disproving many traditional beliefs, these misconceptions endure among educators and administrators.

We spoke with educational neuroscientist Jamie Connors about prevalent myths that still affect our understanding of learning and how we can modernize education.

Misconceptions About Learning Endure

Many of us are familiar with the concept of learning styles. Perhaps you’ve labeled yourself as a visual learner, believing that you absorb information better through images or reading. However, Connors points out that learning styles, as we commonly understand them, do not exist. Research has shown that while different types of information are processed in various parts of the brain, our brains are deeply interconnected, allowing for the transfer of information across sensory modalities. What we actually have are learning preferences, which do not dictate our ability to learn in different ways.

Other myths abound in education, such as the belief in left-brain versus right-brain thinkers, the idea that we only utilize 10% of our brains, the influence of certain foods on brain function, and the concept of multiple intelligences.

The Consequences of Holding on to These Myths

While these misconceptions may seem innocuous, they can significantly impact educational practices. Schools end up wasting resources—time, money, and effort—on approaches that do not align with evidence-based learning strategies. A study from 2012 highlights that these outdated beliefs detract from meaningful learning experiences.

A clear example of this is how we assess student progress. Most educational institutions rely on tests to gauge learning, asking students to articulate what they’ve learned. Connors cites an experiment involving children aged 3 to 12 who performed well on a scientific task but struggled to explain their findings. This suggests that testing may not be the most effective evaluation method, yet it remains prevalent.

Ignoring the insights of neuroscience creates a “huge crisis” in our educational approach, Connors asserts. The past year has underscored the necessity of grounding our decision-making in science.

Embracing a Modern Approach to Education

While the traditional values underpinning our educational system have fostered enduring institutions, they have also hindered adaptability. Connors argues for a more experiential learning approach. Reflect on your own most enriching learning experiences; they were likely immersive. Consider environments like museums or even amusement parks, which provide engaging educational opportunities.

Children learn best when they understand the relevance and purpose behind their studies. Connors encourages educators to draw inspiration from the strategies that captivate audiences on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. By integrating aspects of these engaging formats into education—while remaining mindful of attention spans and screen time—we can create learning experiences that resonate with students.

The Call for Educational Evolution in 2021

Although changing long-standing beliefs is challenging, it is essential. For our children’s sake, we must strive for improvement.

Two key takeaways emerge from this discussion. First, parents should ease their concerns about the educational setbacks of the past year; children have ample opportunities to learn throughout their lives, and emotional intelligence is increasingly recognized as a vital skill. Second, educators must commit to understanding brain function. Just as doctors study anatomy, teachers should delve into the science of learning.

The past year has highlighted the importance of scientific insight in decision-making. It has also shown that established methods can and should be reexamined, especially when they no longer serve our needs—like during the pandemic. It’s time to discard outdated misconceptions and embrace a modern approach to education, bringing it firmly into the 21st century.

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Summary:

The pandemic has highlighted the need to discard outdated learning myths that hinder effective education. Despite advancements in neuroscience disproving concepts like learning styles, these misconceptions persist in educational systems, leading to ineffective practices and assessments. A shift towards experiential learning and an understanding of how the brain works is essential for modernizing education. Parents should relax about educational setbacks during the pandemic, while educators must commit to evolving their approaches based on scientific insights.