The VARK Questionnaire: How Do I Learn Best

The VARK Questionnaire: How Do I Learn Best Preferred Learning Style: MILD Aural Learning Style The mild aural learning style also referred to as the auditory learning style, is demonstrated by individuals who possess a high-level of understanding and tend to comprehensively recall the things they have heard. These people tend to store information that can be associated with certain sounds. Furthermore, these individuals demonstrate a better comprehension of spoken instructions as compared to written and visual instructions. An individual with mild aural learning style can grasp and understand more information if it is read out

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THE VARK QUESTIONNAIRE: HOW DO I LEARN BEST

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These individuals usually read instructions aloud to get a clearer understanding of the meaning. Individuals who hum during study demonstrate this style of learning. In some instances, they individuals may be considered as inattentive because they listen without blinking and pay close attention when someone is talking (Kostelnik et al., 2018). Mild aural learners usually develop a range of strategies to improve their hearing and understanding. These strategies include better sitting positions, attentive listening, being alert, and reading instructions out loud (LeFever, 2011).

Summary of Other Learning Styles Mild Kinesthetic Learning (Tactile Learning) This learning style is demonstrated by individuals who prefer to perform physical activities to improve their understanding instead of simply listening to lectures. Individuals who depict the Mild kinesthetic learning are referred to as do-ers (LeFever, 2011). It is estimated that they constitute about 5% of the population. Tactile learners face challenges when learning in a sedentary environment (Kostelnik et al., 2018). The level of understanding of kinesthetic learners increases when they move around touch and play with the things related to what they are being taught (Jung & Hull, 2015). The positive attributes associated with tactile learners include energetic, quick reactions, and excellent motor memory (Kostelnik et al., 2018). These individuals also have great eye-hand coordination besides being excellent experimenters.

Visual Learning Style Visual learning style describes the process by which learners gain new information through seeing. The capacity of individuals who use the visual learning style to comprehend and memorize novel information is enhanced by sight (LeFever, 2011). These people are also able to create images representing what they are seeing or reading in their minds. The capacity of these

THE VARK QUESTIONNAIRE: HOW DO I LEARN BEST individuals to learn improves significantly in situations where the trainer uses visual modalities.

However, the use of sounds and spoken instructions inconvenience these people greatly (Schmeck, 2013).

Read/Write Learning Style The read and write learning style is the traditional mode of learning. A large number of leaners fall under this category. Individuals within this category have a high-level listening capacity. They are also able to make notes and understand new information during lectures (Schmeck, 2013). The characteristics of the read/write learners are almost similar to those of mild aural learners. The typical attributes of individuals who prefer the read/write learning style include working in sedentary environments, preference for quiet study areas with minimal distraction besides enjoying reading and studying alone (Jung & Hull, 2015). They also tend to put down important point noted during lecture. Writing helps the learners to internalize new information.

Multimodal Learning Style The multimodal learning preference refers to the use of different learning styles. Since different learning styles utilize different parts of the brain, individuals who demonstrate a multimodal learning preference can use different components during learning (Schmeck, 2013).

The comprehensive nature of the multimodal learning style makes it possible for the learner to understand the details of what they are being taught.

Comparison of the Learning Strategies to the Preferred Learning Style Learners use a wide range of strategies individuals that compare to the mild aural learning style. Some of these strategies include requesting the tutor to read out or repeat instructions. The learners may also form group discussions where they listen to their colleagues.

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THE VARK QUESTIONNAIRE: HOW DO I LEARN BEST

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Verbal discussions make it easier for these learners to understand new information (Schmeck, 2013). The learners also tend to avoid all forms of distractions when they are listening to lectures or participating in group discussions (Kostelnik et al., 2018). It has been noted that some auditory learners experience challenges in understanding new information in the absence of sound in the background. Consequently, the learners like listening to music while studying in an environment where discussions and lectures are not possible (Kostelnik et al., 2018).

Influence of Learning Styles on the Perception of Teaching and Learning An understanding of the different learning styles can influence an individual’s perceptions of teaching and learning. Trainers, tutors and lecturers should understand the preferred style of learning for individual learners to employ teachings methodologies that fit in with these styles. On the other hand, learners should understand their learning styles and embrace the teaching methods used by the tutor (Schmeck, 2013). Furthermore, students should use their preferred learning styles to recreate the learning materials and enhance their understanding of the same. The establishment of a connection between preferred learning style, the learning environment and the teaching style used by the tutor enhances the capacity of the leaner to understand new information and gain knowledge (Kostelnik et al., 2018).

THE VARK QUESTIONNAIRE: HOW DO I LEARN BEST References: Jung, C. G., & Hull, R. F. C. (2015). Psychology and education. Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press.

Kostelnik, M. J., Soderman, A. K., Rupiper, M. L. & Whiren, A. P. (2018). Developmentally appropriate curriculum: Best practices in early childhood education. New York, NY: Pearson Education.

LeFever, M. D. (2011). Learning styles: Reaching everyone God gave you to teach. Colorado Springs, Colo: David C. Cook.

Schmeck, R. R. (2013). Learning strategies and learning styles. Boston, MA: Springer US.

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