VARK Analysis Paper

VARK: Learning Styles Analysis Paper
Jeffery J Wiswell
Grand Canyon University: NRS-429V
December 21, 2014
VARK: Learning Styles Analysis Paper
When one thinks back to their childhood, they may remember the career they wanted to pursue but at the time didn’t know how they would achieve their lifelong goal. As time goes on one will educate themselves, learning the necessary aspects and skills of their soon to be profession. During this time in one’s life they probably never gave much thought to what type of learning style they most familiarized with. What exactly does it mean to learn? By definition, “It is the act or process of gaining knowledge or skill by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing something” (Merriam-Webster.com, 2014). In order to evaluate one’s learning style there are assessments that can be taken and several models to compare to for analysis. One assessment in particular is called VARK: a guide to learning styles and it can be used to assess an individual’s learning style. “VARK, which is used for learning information, is a four modality acronym that stands for the Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic” (Fleming, 2014). This paper will review each aspect of the evaluated learning style compared to the preferred learning strategies of such an individual and determine if any changes are needed to make learning accessible and more efficient.
Summary of the Preferred Learning Style
The Vark Questionnaire was used to evaluate an individual’s learning style which produced the following results: Visual (7), Aural (5), Read/Write (6), and Kinesthetic (9). The individual scored highest in Kinesthetic, but the final preference would be what is known as multimodal because the scores are very similar. A multimodal individual or Vark Type One can adapt to any situation and will prefer to shift modes based upon the situation at hand. This individual can be described as well-rounded, keeping an open mind to complete tasks with which learning style best suits them. Scoring highest in Kinesthetic (9), the individual can identify more closely to real life situations and will use examples from their life to explain something or relate to a subject. The next three modalities’ scores were very close, Visual (7), Read/Write (6), and Aural (5). This individual also likes to use visual representations such as charts, graphs, and diagrams to name a few. People who fall into the Visual model learn best by graphic descriptions on a whiteboard rather than written text or words simply read aloud, which brings up the third model known as Read/Write. This learning style encompasses information in word form such as books, essays, reports, and manuals. The last evaluated learning style with the lowest score is Aural. The individual would least likely prefer this learning style as it relates to information heard or spoken, such as lectures, group discussions, and web-based chats.
Preferred Learning Strategies and Comparsion
The individual’s preferred learning strategies are based on the Kinesthetic learning style. Real life experiences or physical activity used for learning purposes are the best forms of information for this individual. “Kinesthetic learners may have a more difficult time learning while sitting for long periods of time; they need to move around and touch things to learn effectively” (Education.com, 2006-2014). Some strategies this individual has found helpful in the learning process include taking frequent breaks, working in a hands-on environment, experimenting, and even role-playing. Being as this individual is a multimodal learner, they can also use strategies within the Visual, Read/Write, and Aural models too. The individual’s preferred strategies from these categories include highlighting information in pattern/graphic form, talking to themselves or repeating words to retain information, and using the internet to satisfy their research.
Conclusion of the VARK: Learning Styles Analysis
This individual does not see much need for change in the way they learn because they shift their modes based on the situation they are dealing with. Their multimodal learning style makes them are adaptable and efficient in their life.

References
Fleming, N. (2014). http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire Retrieved 12/18/14
Learning. 2014. In Merriam-Webster.com. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/learning Retrieved 12/18/2014
Education.com. 2006-2014. http://www.education.com/magazine/article/kinesthetic_learner/ Retrieved 12/20/2014