Debunking Learning Style Myths

Welcome to Effective Habits, a weekly newsletter where I share evidence-based strategies and tools to help you live a happy, healthy, and productive life.

Today at a Glance:

• Reading Changes your Brain, Let Me Explain

• Remember When a Glass of Wine a Day Was Good for You? Here’s Why That Changed

• Learning Styles Are A Myth

Reading Changes your Brain, Let Me Explain
Jack Close

Lights, Camera, ...
Reading is more than just a leisurely pastime; it's a powerful brain workout with far-reaching benefits. Firstly, it's an exercise regimen for your mind, keeping it agile and sharp as you age, as the National Institute on Ageing suggests. Secondly, it's a gateway to empathy, allowing you to step into different shoes and broaden your emotional intelligence. Lastly, in a world awash with information, reading enhances your ability to process it all, making you more creative, imaginative, and articulate in your everyday life. So, let those Netflix series wait a bit, and pick up that paperback – your brain will thank you!

Action!

1. Begin with a modest target: Kickstart your reading routine by committing to read just 10 pages daily. This achievable goal can ignite your motivation to keep going.

2. Establish dedicated reading times: Reserve 30 minutes before bedtime for reading (or another time you’re regularly available at). This practice will also help you wind down.

3. Create a book archive: Utilize tools like Notion and Readwise to build an organized repository of book insights. This not only consolidates your lessons but also employs spaced repetition, reinforcing your book knowledge while serving as a daily reading reminder.

Remember When a Glass of Wine a Day Was Good for You? Here’s Why That Changed
Sara Chodosh

Lights, Camera, ...
In the not-so-distant past, a glass of wine with dinner was touted as a healthy choice, but now it seems public perception is shifting. Recent studies claiming there's "no safe amount of alcohol" have caused a stir, though the increased mortality risk associated with light drinking is actually quite tiny. The shift in perspective can be attributed to a surge in scientific research over the past decade that has challenged the idea of alcohol as a health tonic. Two key issues have emerged: confounding, where some non-drinkers are in fact not drinking due to preexisting health conditions, and selection bias, where some moderate drinkers tend to be unusually healthy individuals. While some still debate the heart benefits of light drinking, the evidence is clear on the risks, including various cancers and other diseases. While having a daily drink might not be drastically unsafe, experts advise caution. So, enjoy a drink occasionally if you wish, but the days of considering it a health elixir seem to be over.

Action!

• Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 to 2 standard drinks daily, if you choose to drink. Keep in mind that having 7 drinks in one day is riskier than having 1 drink each day of the week. Nonetheless, remember that any amount of alcohol consumption can increases the risk of disease.

Learning Styles Are A Myth
John Fawkes

Lights, Camera, ...
Learning styles theory, such as distinguishing between visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing, has been debunked. So thoroughly, in fact, that in the past few years, studies on it have mostly asked questions like “How many people still believe this” (almost everyone, as it turns out), “Why do they believe it,” and “How can we make them understand that it just isn’t true?” Teachers struggle to accurately identify students' preferred learning styles, assessment quizzes often misalign with reported styles, and research increasingly supports multi-modal learning over exclusive style-based approaches. The distinction between learning styles classifications is blurry, encompassing sensory input, interpersonal preferences, and thinking styles. In essence, learning styles theory lacks a solid foundation. The good news is that most educators naturally gravitate toward multi-modal instruction. The key takeaway: abandon learning styles and embrace multi-modal learning, as our brains thrive when utilizing all senses. For educators, the message is clear: prioritize multi-modal instruction and challenge misconceptions about learning styles.

Action!

• Engage in multi-modal learning by combining reading, listening, watching, taking notes, and practicing actively. This will allow you to learn faster and remember information better.

TOOL TIP

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FUN FACT

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not liable for any risks or issues that may arise from using this information.