{
  "schema": "vedokrok.public-item.v1",
  "release_id": "MHC-RPUB-20261011-9e4b62c5",
  "url": "/knowledge/choose-a-learning-format-for-the-task-not-a-fixed-label",
  "id": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0040",
  "version": "0.1.0",
  "title": "Choose a learning format for the task, not a fixed label",
  "summary": "A preference can guide comfort without becoming a fence around your abilities.",
  "kind": "anti_pattern",
  "body": "Fixed learning-style labels do not provide a well-supported rule for matching all instruction. Choose a representation that suits the content, the task and your access needs, then check the resulting performance.",
  "limits": [
    "Accessibility requirements are real. Do not remove captions, screen-reader support or other accommodations in the name of rejecting learning-style myths."
  ],
  "topics": [],
  "intents": [],
  "source_ids": [
    "eef-learning-styles"
  ],
  "evidence": [
    {
      "claim": "EEF finds insufficient evidence for assigning fixed learning styles and matching all teaching to those labels.",
      "source_id": "eef-learning-styles",
      "role": "supports",
      "note": "Claim basis: guidance. Claim limit: This does not deny accessibility needs, useful preferences or differences between learning tasks.\nSource access: selected_html_passages; accessed on: 2026-09-17; inspected sections: [\"What is it?\", \"Key findings\", \"How effective is the approach?\"].\nAgent scope review, 2026-10-11: EEF selected passages support rejecting fixed style-matching rules, not removal of access supports or a claim that everyone learns identically.",
      "locator": "Key findings; How effective is the approach?"
    }
  ],
  "use_when": [
    "A 'visual learner' or 'auditory learner' label is being used to rule out useful practice."
  ],
  "avoid_when": [
    "Accessibility requirements are real. Do not remove captions, screen-reader support or other accommodations in the name of rejecting learning-style myths."
  ],
  "recognition": "Fixed learning-style labels do not provide a well-supported rule for matching all instruction. Choose a representation that suits the content, the task and your access needs, then check the resulting performance.",
  "example": "An accurate diagram can clarify a network, while an audio sample is essential for hearing a pronunciation contrast. The same person can use both without changing their identity.",
  "check": "Can you complete a small task in the chosen format, and explain which part of the skill it lets you practise? If the format blocks the task, change it while keeping needed access supports.",
  "question": "What does this skill require me to notice or produce, and which format helps me practise that?",
  "published_at": "2026-10-11T18:15:00Z",
  "review": {
    "kind": "agent",
    "label": "Agent editorial and scoped evidence review",
    "reviewed_at": "2026-10-11T18:12:50Z"
  },
  "editorial_overlay": null,
  "editorial": null,
  "notices": [],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "eef-learning-styles",
      "title": "Learning styles",
      "url": "https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit/learning-styles"
    }
  ],
  "relations": [],
  "collections": [
    {
      "id": "RC-RESEARCH-LEARNING-DESIGN",
      "title": "Make practice reveal learning, not just activity",
      "url": "/collections/make-practice-reveal-learning-not-just-activity"
    }
  ],
  "topic_hubs": [],
  "solution_packs": []
}