Learning style theory assumes that people perceive information in different ways according to their unique abilities and characteristics. Each person has their learning style for a more productive and successful mastering of particular data. Neil Fleming created the VARK model, which includes such learning strategies as Visual, Aural, Read / Write, Kinesthetic, and Multimodal. Fleming and Bonwell (2019) assert that visuals better remember information with the help of demonstration materials, such as graphs and slides, while aurals prefer to listen, read-writers take knowledge through discussing and writing, and kinesthetics need touch and feel.
Nevertheless, about 50-70% of the world’s population prefer a multimodal approach to learning, which combines several of the above methods (Fleming & Bonwell, 2019). Thus, a person can adapt and switch without much effort to one or another strategy chosen by the teacher. Therefore, depending on their leading channel of comprehension, each person perceives and assimilates new information in different ways, and the choice of a learning style is a key aspect of cognition.
As a result of completing the VARK questionnaire, the following outcomes were obtained: Visual – 4 points, Aural – 5 points, Read / Write – 1 point, Kinesthetic – 6 points. Thus, I am a mild kinesthetic for whom it is vital to use the body and all the senses, including visual, tactile, gustatory, and auditory organs, for cognition. According to Fleming and Bonwell (2019), to gain knowledge, kinesthetics need information to be presented visually, using real-life examples and demonstrating specific features.
Moreover, the test results show that I perceive information through listening and discussion. According to VARK model, aurals clearly perceive lectures, music, and dialogs and often catch the meanings during the conversation (Fleming & Bonwell, 2019). The test also reflects that I am capable of the visual learning style. Visuals understand best from a demonstrative example and remember well the location of objects and the path; they are well-oriented in space. As the test shows, Read / Write Strategies, which are characterized by memorizing information through writing, are not the most suitable for me. Thus, VARK questionnaire reflects what type of learning is typical for a person.
As for my personal learning strategy, I prefer to use a multimodal approach, which entails student’s participation in work involving all channels of information perception whenever possible. The test results confirm it since the difference in indicators for the main learning styles is only 1 point. My multimodality is about applying different learning styles to specific situations. Everyday examples from my life can easily support it: I prefer to listen to audiobooks, and when I study new data, I retell it for better assimilation.
In some cases, I use the visual style of learning, which is also confirmed by the test results. For example, I can memorize a poem by reading it several times, and an image of this verse will form in my head. Nonetheless, I rarely use Read / Write Strategies, as evidenced by the scores. Thus, the VARK test results fully support my preferred learning strategies.
In the learning process, the teacher should define individual learning styles and preferences when educating students. According to Ridwan et al. (2019), the quality of perception is the key to prosperous assimilation of knowledge. Moreover, the author describes such a concept as “style conflict”. Thus, learning difficulties arise for students with a pronounced channel of perception, if it does not correspond to the methods and style of learning chosen by the teacher. Research shows that learners whose receptions match the teacher’s learning style show a high interest in the subject (Ridwan et al., 2019). Whitney, S. (2018) notes that it is necessary for the teacher to build learning following children’s characteristics.
Therefore, the work will be targeted, more professional, and useful in case of a prosperous choice of the learning style. Thus, for some students, talented teachers will offer more visual information and written assignments. For others, it is possible to suggest to participate in dialogues or show objects and let play with them before the lesson. Therefore, the effectiveness of the educational process depends on the learning style correctly selected by the teacher.
One of the significant areas of application of a particular learning style is health promotion. Through special educational interventions, a patient can achieve optimal health outcomes and improve life quality (Whitney, 2018).
A successfully chosen learning style can influence the ability to change behavior, as a person begins to assimilate information that he might not even understand before. Indeed, improperly selected educational methods can reduce a person’s quality of life since it will lead to limited knowledge on health promotion. Visuals need to demonstrate specific human life processes through pictures or real models, and kinesthetics will gain new understanding through touch or tactile sensations. Thus, the health promotion theme relies on using a specific learning style, depending on the leading perception channel of the student.
Each person has individual characteristics of perception and assimilation of information. Therefore, it is necessary to build the educational process, taking into account these features. Moreover, any person uses a variety of channels of perception. They may be visual by nature, which does not mean that their other senses practically do not work; they can and should be developed. One or another learning strategy depends on the leading channel of perception. It is the correctly chosen learning strategy that is the key to the successful mastering of new knowledge.
References
Fleming, N., & Bonwell, C. (2019). How do I learn best? A learner’s guide to improved learning [PDF document]. Web.
Ridwan, H., Sutresna, I., Haryeti, P. (2019). Teaching styles of the teachers and learning styles of the students [PDF document]. Web.
Whitney, S. (2018). Teaching and learning styles. Health Promotion: Health & Wellness Across the Continuum. Web.