Vark ANALYSIS
Learning style is referred to as a person’s constant way of perceiving, processing, as well
as retaining new concepts and knowledge (Zhu et al., 2018). Different people have various
approaches they learn, absorb, and assimilate knowledge. By understanding one’s best learning
style, facilitation of learning becomes easier and even able to encourage learning becomes easier
and effective. Hence more research is focused on learning style in education and psychology. By
understanding one’s learning style, it becomes easy to help the student’s in becoming successful
in their learning. This paper focuses on an analysis of learning techniques based on the VARK
questionnaire.
There are various categories of learning styles that have been exploited through
researchers. Fleming’s model is the common one. According to Fleming’s model of categorizing
learning styles there are four categories summarized as VARK learning styles (McKenna et al.,
2018). Learners are recognized according to top their preference, namely visual learning, which
includes the choice for diagrams, pictures, video. Auditory learning entails preference for
discussions, music and lectures. Reading and writing learning style involves a preference for
taking notes, reading textbooks, and making lists. Finally, kinesthetic learning entails preference
for hands-on activities, experiments, and movements. Usually, a single approach to learning does
not always work in individuals. Therefore, multimodal approach of learning is advocated and
applicable depending on the situation. This is evident in the VARK questionnaire results.
According to the evaluation of the preferred learning style as per the VARK questionnaire,
reading and writing is the best learning style with a score of 16. It was followed by Auditory
learning method with a score of 14. Kinesthetic was the third one scoring six while visual was
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the last with a score of 2. Meaning, preference to take in, process, and retain information
displayed as words are high. Text based learning materials are the primary most effective
learning materials and strongly preferred in this method.
Preferred learning strategies
As different individuals have varying preferences and ways of assimilating and retaining
information. Likewise, each learning style has its advantages and disadvantages. Based on the
advantages and disadvantages, one can be able to identify the most preferred learning style
applicable in a situation or subject (Alharbi, 2015). Reading and writing is my preferred learning
strategy. I find it best, easy, and convenient to acquire, absorb, and retain knowledge from what I
see, read or hear through writing and reading. This is major because reading and writing entail
other modes of learning in extension. Visual and auditory senses; hence learning strategies have
to be incorporated into this learning strategy for it to be effective and complete. Therefore, it is
multimodal on its own, making it have a wide and broad application. Because it involves other
modes of learning, it needs one to be active and attentive. However, this mode of learning can be
interfered with if there is a defect in visual, auditory, or both senses. Moreover, this learning
strategy is only applicable when writing materials are accessible.
Kinesthetic learning style is another active learning strategy. Here learners are involved
in actions of what they are learning. It is an interactive learning style where learning happens
through hands-on experience, practical challenges, and moving from one point to another
(Peterson, DeCato, & Kolb, 2015). There is exposure of learners to practice and evidence,
making it easy for them to digest knowledge, retain, remember, and even apply in a similar
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different setting. Gaining experience is possible as well as the development of skills. It also
involves visual and auditory mode of learning.
Auditory and visual learning styles are fundamental and essential compared to others.
Visual learning includes learning through illustrations, facial expressions, gestures, pictures,
texts, among others (Zhu et al., 2018). Here learners understand better through the creation of
images and pictures of what they learn. This learning style helps give direction, mapping, and
construction of concept structures. In auditory learning style, individuals learn better through
hearing, such as in discussions and reading loud of texts. In situations where visual material is
not available, the auditory learning style is advantageous.
Comparing the current and the currently preferred learning styles and the identified,
reading and writing remain the best in both cases. While kinesthetic is the second best-identified
learning style, auditory is the current preferred learning, as indicated in the VARK questionnaire.
Visual remains the least identified and preferred learning style.
How individual learning styles affect the degree to which a learner can understand or
perform educational activities.
Learning styles are essential as intellectual ability. However, variance in learning
strategies does not solely indicate variance in abilities among students (Zhu et al., 2018). In the
school and classroom setting, learning styles have been identified to relate positively to how
students achieve. However, it is advantageous that many students display flexibility in their
learning styles; hence, they can adopt various learning styles of learning depending on the
situation. Therefore, it is vital not to ignore learners’ learning styles. Ignoring can jeopardize the
learning process.
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Generally, students tend to do better in areas that match their preferred learning styles.
According to Zhu et al., (20180, students are encouraged in learning activities that are
compatible with their learning styles. In areas or subjects that match or taught according to their
learning style, students thrive well. Often they are motivated to participate and do better in those
areas or subjects. Their interest is at the top too. This increases even the morale of the teacher to
do better in term of teaching in those areas and subjects. Therefore, just as teachers plan their
activities, there is a need to consider the various learning style that students value and prefer.
Usually, incorporation of more than one mode of teaching and learning can suit all the students
with their learning styles.
Learning styles and health promotion.
Health promotion concerns delivering of health information. For health information to be
effectively delivered, there is a need to reach the targeted population using the best method.
Individuals ought to understand the health promotion message to put it into practicality in their
lives. This is the only sure way to ensure the desired outcome of health promotion is achieved.
Therefore, the various appropriate and preferred learning styles of individuals have to be
considered health promotions.
Understanding learning styles means one can be reached at best. This boosts the morale,
self-esteem, and motivation to carry out things. Behavior change is one of the things achieved
through the understanding of the learning strategy (Almigbal, 2015). Understanding of learning
style boosts understanding hence the sense for one to adopt the needed change. This is possible
through an understanding of the target population and their preferred learning styles. By
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understanding the target population, one can prepare the health promotion message in a variety
of, ways able to reach all present individuals.
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References
Alharbi, M. A. (2015). Reading strategies, learning styles and reading comprehension: A
correlation study. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 6(6), 1257-1268.
Almigbal, T. H. (2015). Relationship between the learning style preferences of medical students
and academic achievement. Saudi medical journal, 36(3), 349.
McKenna, L., Copnell, B., Butler, A. E., & Lau, R. (2018). Learning style preferences of
Australian accelerated postgraduate pre-registration nursing students: A cross-sectional
survey. Nurse education in practice, 28, 280-284.
Peterson, K., DeCato, L., & Kolb, D. A. (2015). Moving and learning: Expanding style and
increasing flexibility. Journal of Experiential Education, 38(3), 228-244.
Zhu, H. R., Zeng, H., Zhang, H., Zhang, H. Y., Wan, F. J., Guo, H. H., & Zhang, C. H. (2018).
The preferred learning styles utilizing VARK among nursing students with bachelor
degrees and associate degrees in China. Acta Paulista de Enfermagem, 31(2), 162-169.
