26 Myths About Learning

While contributing to a #mnlead Twitter chat, participants quickly came up with 26 myths about learning. Limited to the usual 140 characters, this kept the explanations short, concise. Certainly, this is not meant to be an exhaustive list (we did this in 10 minutes) and there may not be universal agreement on “myth status.”

Agree or disagree, statements about learning myths would be the genesis for lively, informative discussions in faculty or parent education meetings.

– Myths About Learning – #mnlead Twitter Chat – 11/13/16

The internet is impeding student learning.

Students learn today just like they did 25 years ago.

The only learning that matters is what shows on standardized testing.

There are “styles” of learning.

Grades are (effective) motivators for learning.

Everyone needs to learn so they can go on to college.

If a student doesn’t learn, it must be their fault.

Students need everything we are required to teach them.

Students who have life challenges can’t learn as well as others.

Homework in elementary school helps learning.

There is only one “right” answer or only one way to solve a problem.

Learning must follow a defined plan.

You are either right-brained or left-brained.

Learning is about memorization.

Learning is about “its always been done this way.”

Extra-curriculars (athletics, fine arts, vocational) aren’t important.

All students learn the same way.

All students learn at the same pace.

Learning is a linear process.

There is a magic bullet to learning.

We can learn for 7hrs/day without movement.

Learning requires a teacher.

Homework is always helpful.

Learning only happens at school.

If you add technology, it will be a better lesson.

Learning is about imparting knowledge from one person to another.