Which learning model has recently replaced the concept of learning styles?

The concept of learning styles, which suggested that individuals have preferred modalities for learning (such as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic), has been increasingly challenged by the theory of multiple intelligences. This theory was proposed by Howard Gardner and posits that intelligence is not a singular entity but rather a collection of different types of intelligences that people may possess in varying degrees. These intelligences include linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, bodily-kinesthetic, and naturalistic.

The shift towards Gardner's theory reflects a more nuanced understanding of how individuals learn and the recognition that learning is multifaceted. Instead of funneling learners into rigid categories based on a single preferred learning style, the theory of multiple intelligences supports the idea that individuals can engage with material in various ways depending on their strengths. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse talents and abilities in educational environments, encouraging a more personalized approach to learning.

In contrast, while cognitive load theory focuses on how information is processed and the limitations of working memory, and constructivist learning theory emphasizes the learner's active role in constructing knowledge, these models do not directly replace the earlier emphasis on learning styles in the same way that the theory of multiple intelligences has.