Skip to Content
Visible Learning™
Visible Learning MetaX™
Version 1.4 – Updated February 2026

Correlating learning styles to achievement

Overview

  • Influence: Correlating learning styles to achievement
  • Domain: Student Learning Strategies
  • Sub-Domain: Student-focused interventions
  • Potential to Accelerate Student Achievement: Potential to accelerate
  • Influence Definition: Where different forms of teaching are correlated to the students' preferred style of learning (e.g., kinesthetic (movement), visual, auditory, and tactile) for a specific task.

Evidence

  • Number of meta-analyses: 13
  • Number of studies: 654
  • Number of students: 63,329
  • Number of effects: 2,391
  • Weighted mean effect size: 0.43
  • Robustness index: 5

Meta-Analyses

Meta-Analyses
Journal Title Author Article Name Year Published Variable Number of Studies Number of Students Number of Effects Effect Size
Journal of Research in Science Teaching Tamir Meta-Analysis of Cognitive Preferences and Learning 1985 Cognitive preference 54 NA 13 0.02
Dissertation Sullivan A meta-analysis of experimental research studies based on the Dunn and Dunn Learning Style Model and its relationship to academic achievement and performance 1993 Dunn and Dunn Learning styles matched to achievement 42 3,434 42 0.75
Dissertation Iliff Kolb Learning Style Inventory: A meta-analysis 1994 Kolb Learning Style matched to achievement 101 NA 486 0.33
Journal of Educational Research Dunn, Griggs, Olson, Beasley & Gorman A meta-analytic validation of the Dunn and Dunn model of learning-style preferences 1995 Interventions to enhance matching learning style on achievement 36 3,181 65 0.76
Dissertation Slemmer The effect of learning styles on student achievement in various hypertext, hypermedia, and technology-enhanced learning environments: a meta-analysis 2002 Learning styles in hyper/technology environments 48 5,908 51 0.13
Dissertation Mangino A meta-analysis of Dunn and Dunn model correlational research with adult populations 2004 Dunn and Dunn Learning styles for adults 47 8,661 386 0.54
Journal of Educational Research Lovelace Meta-Analysis of Experimental Research Based on the Dunn and Dunn Model 2005 Dunn and Dunn Learning styles matched to achievement 76 7,196 168 0.67
Dissertation Salvione Meta-analysis of Correlational Studies Based on the Dunn and Dunn Model Conducted with Elementary School Populations 2007 Dunn and Dunn learning styles for students 34 7,093 677 0.28
Book Ay The Effect of Learning Types/Styles on Student Achievement 2017 Learning styles 60 26,391 60 0.47
Journal of Instruction and Evaluation Ostovar Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Learning Styles and Students' Academic Achievement.  2023 Learning styles 98 NA 384 0.19
Iranian Journal of Medical Education Mohammadi, Sayehmiri, Tavan, & Mohammadi Learning styles of Iranian nursing students based on Kolb's theory: A systematic review and meta-analysis study.  2013 Learning styles on achievement 10 NA 10 0.25
Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice Kanadli A meta-analysis on the effect of instructional designs based on the learning styles models on academic achievement, attitude and retention.  2016 Learning styles on achievement 30 NA 30 1.03
Türk Akademik Yayinlar Dergisi Erdem & Kaf Effect of learning styles on academic achievement: A meta-analysis. 2023 Learning styles 18 1,465 19 0.78
TOTAL/AVERAGE 654 63,329 2,391 0.48
Back to top