National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

Which statement about learning styles is true?

1. They are fixed preferences over time

2. They represent the way a learner prefers to learn

3. They can be ignored in teaching

4. They only apply to visual learners

The correct answer is: They represent the way a learner prefers to learn

The statement that learning styles represent the way a learner prefers to learn is true because it recognizes that each individual has unique preferences when it comes to absorbing information and skills. Learning styles can encompass a range of modalities, including visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and more, indicating that different learners may gravitate toward different methods of instruction based on their personal inclinations. Understanding learning styles can help instructors tailor their teaching strategies to better meet the needs of their students. This adaptability can enhance engagement and retention of information. While research on learning styles has evolved, and some debate exists regarding the best practices for using these concepts, acknowledging that learners have preferred ways of absorbing information remains a fundamental aspect of effective teaching. In contrast, fixed preferences over time may not capture the fluidity of an individual's learning process, as people can develop and adapt their learning preferences based on new experiences and contexts. Ignoring individual learning styles in teaching may hinder effective communication and knowledge transfer, and stating that learning styles only apply to visual learners disregards the diversity of learning modalities.