VARK is a model developed by Neil Fleming that categorizes individuals’ learning preferences into four main styles: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic. Each style represents a different way in which people prefer to receive and process information.
Visual Learners:
Visual learners prefer to see information presented visually. They learn best through images, diagrams, charts, graphs, and videos. They have a strong ability to remember and recall visual information. Examples of activities that suit visual learners include using visual aids during presentations, studying with colorful mind maps, and watching educational videos or animations.
Importance: Understanding one’s visual learning style can help individuals optimize their learning experience by using visual materials to enhance comprehension and retention. Visual learners often excel in subjects such as art, design, and visual media.
Auditory Learners:
Auditory learners learn best through listening and verbal communication. They prefer spoken explanations, discussions, and lectures. They have a strong ability to remember information through sound and are often good at interpreting tone and voice inflections. Examples of activities that suit auditory learners include participating in group discussions, listening to audio recordings or podcasts, and using mnemonic devices that involve verbal repetition.
Importance: Recognizing an auditory learning style can help individuals actively engage in activities that involve listening, promoting better understanding and retention. Auditory learners may excel in fields such as music, language, and public speaking.
Reading/Writing Learners:
Reading/Writing learners prefer to process information through written words. They learn best through reading books, articles, and written instructions. They have a strong ability to understand complex written material and express themselves effectively through writing. Examples of activities that suit reading/writing learners include reading textbooks, taking detailed notes, creating written outlines, and writing essays or reports.
Importance: Being aware of a reading/writing learning style allows individuals to leverage reading and writing materials to enhance their learning experience. Reading/writing learners often excel in subjects such as literature, research, and written communication.
Kinesthetic Learners:
Kinesthetic learners prefer hands-on, experiential learning. They learn best through physical activities, movement, and tactile experiences. They have a strong ability to remember information through physical sensations and muscle memory. Examples of activities that suit kinesthetic learners include performing experiments, engaging in role-playing activities, participating in sports or physical exercises, and using manipulatives or models to understand concepts.
Importance: Recognizing a kinesthetic learning style allows individuals to actively involve themselves in practical experiences, promoting better understanding and retention. Kinesthetic learners often excel in fields such as sports, performing arts, and trades.
Example 1
Let’s consider an individual with score of visual learning 38, kinesthetic learning 38, read write 13, auditory learning 13. The maximum score is out of 40.
An individual with a VARK score of 38-38-13-13 is a bimodal learner with strong visual and kinesthetic preferences. This means that they learn best by seeing and doing. They may benefit from using diagrams, charts, maps, and other visual aids. They may also benefit from hands-on activities, experiments, and role-playing.
Example 2
Let’s consider an individual with score of visual learning 10, kinesthetic learning 10, read write 30, auditory learning 35. The maximum score is out of 40.
An individual with a VARK score of 10-10-30-35 is a unimodal learner with strong auditory and read/write preferences. This means that they learn best by hearing and reading. They may benefit from attending lectures, listening to audiobooks, or taking online courses with audio components. They may also benefit from reading textbooks, articles, and other written materials. They may also benefit from taking notes and writing summaries of what they learn.
Conclusion:
The VARK model emphasizes the importance of understanding and catering to diverse learning styles. By recognizing your preferred learning style, you can adopt appropriate strategies and study techniques that align with your strengths. However, it is important to note that most individuals have a mix of learning styles rather than a singular preference. Therefore, incorporating a variety of learning approaches can enhance overall learning outcomes and accommodate different learning styles in educational settings. Everyone learns differently, so it is important to experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.