What is VARK? How to Use VARK to Find Your Learning Style to be a Better Learner!

Summary

This video introduces the VARK learning model, explaining how individuals have unique learning preferences that influence how they absorb information. The VARK model categorizes learning styles into visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic learners. It also addresses multimodal learners who blend these styles depending on the context. Through a simple scenario of teaching directions to a post office, the video demonstrates how each learning style benefits from different teaching approaches. The video also highlights how understanding these preferences can improve learning outcomes and problem-solving.

Takeaways

• 😀 Everyone has natural inclinations that make learning some skills easier than others.
• 😀 Learning speed and retention can be influenced by an individual's preferred learning style.
• 😀 The VARK model categorizes learning styles into Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic learners.
• 😀 Visual learners benefit from diagrams, maps, charts, and symbols to understand concepts.
• 😀 Auditory learners excel when learning through spoken instructions, discussions, or repeating information aloud.
• 😀 Read/Write learners prefer written information, such as lists, notes, and online text.
• 😀 Kinesthetic learners learn best through hands-on experiences, simulations, or connecting information to prior real-life experiences.
• 😀 The VARK model allows for multimodal learning, accommodating people who use multiple learning styles.
• 😀 VARK Type 1 learners primarily rely on one preferred style in a context-specific manner, while Type 2 learners use all styles to fully understand a task.
• 😀 Adapting learning strategies to match individual styles can enhance understanding and task completion.
• 😀 Tools like the VARK questionnaire can help individuals identify their preferred learning style for more effective learning.

Q & A

Why do some people learn certain skills or concepts faster than others?

This is due to each individual having a natural inclination towards certain skills, which influences the types of activities and professions they are drawn to. It also relates to one's unique learning style, which can determine how quickly and easily certain abilities are grasped.

What is the VARK model and who developed it?

The VARK model, developed by Neil Fleming, categorizes learning styles into four main types: Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic. Fleming refined the initial VAK model, adding the 'Read/Write' category.

What does the VARK model aim to explain about learning?

The VARK model aims to explain how people process and retain information based on their preferred learning styles. It helps to group learners by how they best absorb information, whether through visual, auditory, reading/writing, or physical experience.

How did Neil Fleming contribute to the development of the VARK model?

Neil Fleming expanded on the VAK model by introducing the 'Read/Write' learning style, which addresses learners who excel with written words but may struggle with visual aids lacking color and shape cues.

How does the VARK model help identify learning preferences?

The VARK model includes a questionnaire that helps individuals identify their dominant learning style, enabling them to adapt their learning strategies to their strengths for more effective learning.

What are the characteristics of a visual learner?

A visual learner performs best when provided with visual aids like maps, diagrams, charts, or symbols. They benefit from seeing information rather than just hearing or reading it.

How do auditory learners learn best?

Auditory learners excel when they learn through spoken sources such as lectures, discussions, or audio materials like podcasts. They can also benefit from verbalizing information in their own words to reinforce understanding.

What is the primary preference of read/write learners?

Read/write learners prefer information in written form. They learn effectively from lists, written instructions, dictionaries, and online resources, making them proficient in absorbing textual information.

How do kinesthetic learners absorb information?

Kinesthetic learners thrive on learning through physical activity, either by performing tasks, observing them, or simulating actions. They best understand concepts when they can directly experience or act out the material.

Can someone have a combination of learning styles in the VARK model?

Yes, the VARK model accounts for multimodal learners. VARK type 1 learners select the modality they are most comfortable with for specific tasks, while VARK type 2 learners need to utilize all their learning styles before completing a task.