I've found Richard M. Felder's [1] research in this area useful. He makes a compelling argument [2] that one size does not fit all and describes a taxonomy of learning styles. Understanding my own learning style [3] has helped me optimize the way I go about coming up to speed on new topics.

[1] http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/

[2] http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Pap...

[3] https://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html