VARK Analysis of Learning Styles Paper Example

Introduction

Learning styles are the student's chosen study methods that enable them to achieve a better understanding. According to theories, every student has his/her own learning style which is mainly depended on the study environment. However, some individuals may have a prevalent learning style which gives them the best understanding. In the recent past, the education sector has put emphasis on the teachers to improve their students' performance and this can best be achieved through understanding students learning styles. One of the major learning style models which were established in 1987 is known as the VARK standing for visual, auditory/aural, reading/writing, and kinesthetic (Fitkov-Norris, 2015). This model is the secret behind any performing institution as it helps students to understand their own learning process while teachers can easily understand their students' way of learning.

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Provide a summary of your learning style according the VARK questionnaire.

Below are my VARK Questionnaire scores:

• Visual 9
• Aural 5
• Read/Write 5
• Kinesthetic 6

Generally, the results implied a single learning preference. This means that my learning can be best achieved through visual approach since has the best score of 9, followed by kinesthetic with a score of 6 and lastly the aural, read/write with an average score of 5. A visual learner understands the best by seeing which would involve the use of charts and graphs. Therefore, a teacher should maximize on making clear graphs and chats other than using speeches and texts.

Describe your preferred learning strategies.

Study strategies are systematic approaches applied by students in order to effectively accomplish their learning goals. The following strategies are essential for me as a student in every academic learning. They include planning their studies in advance, setting smart goals, choosing a conducive study environment, and prioritizing on the time (Nisbet, 2017). Students are also required to constantly revise their notes to enhance deeper understanding, accomplish tutorial exercises, and attempt past exam papers to familiarize themselves with exam setting. These learning strategies have helped me in reducing tests anxiety, creating more leisure time, and improving learning and understanding. A strategic student not only benefits in academic learning but also succeed in life since they are able to plan and achieving goals.

Compare your current preferred learning strategies to the identified strategies for your preferred learning style.

As a visual learner, I enhance my understanding through the use of figures, charts, maps and graphs (Fleming, 2014). Drawings and graphical representations are essential in facilitating the learning process. During studies, I find important to underline and emphasize topics, subtopics, and ideas using colors and therefore simplifying my work. Contrary to the visual learner, a kinesthetic student enhance their learning through moving and doing. They prefer participating in practical activities in order to keep their experiences. They are good at taking notes when the lecturer is teaching and thus making their learning easier.

Auditory learners enhance their learning process by hearing other than seeing. They have good listening skills which enable them to participate in group discussions effectively. They are quick to answering questions as they arise since they have listened to the ideas keenly. Aural students may sometimes make use of stereo and recorders in order to grasp every learning concept (Fleming, 2014). Lastly, read or write learners make use of wringing materials such as pen and a book so as to take notes. They have the necessary materials for revision and therefore making their learning process. Irrespective of the learning style, all learning strategies are essentially applicable to any student.

Describe how individual learning styles affect the degree to which a learner can understand or perform educational activities. Discuss the importance of an educator identifying individual learning styles and preferences when working with learners.

There is a great need for a student to understand his/her learning style as it helps in improving their study strategies, overcoming the limitations of poor teachers, improving their persuasive skills, and increasing their confidence (Entwistle, 2015). It also helps learners in understanding their strengths and weakness as well as effectively competing with their colleagues. Students can also learn how to effectively manage teams through the understanding of their learning styles. Additionally, students are capable of staying focused in their professional career and translating their learning ability into earning ability in their upcoming future. Therefore, the understanding of learning style students is not only helpful in their academics but also in their personal and professional life.

It is important for a teacher to identify their students' individual learning style as it helps them adjust their teaching for different learning styles (Entwistle, 2015). Educators are also able to effectively manage their group of students and therefore bringing happiness to the class. In other words, the teacher is able to group his/her students in different categories according to their learning style and therefore facilitating the learning process. Generally, identifying of learning style is not only helpful in school but also in relationships, work and families especially for students and teachers who are parents also.

Discuss why understanding the learning styles of individuals participating in health promotion is important to achieving the desired outcome. How do learning styles ultimately affect the possibility for a behavioral change? How would different learning styles be accommodated in health promotion?

Health promotions are very essential in creating awareness to the public concerning different healthcare matters. Basically, participants of health promotions are required to be very conversant with the learning styles of their audience in order to communicate effectively. Promotional health participants can utilize the knowledge of learning styles in focusing on audience's strengths and therefore overcoming negative campaigns. Learning styles can ultimately affect the possibility of behavioral change when each student are seeking to adjust his/herself for better learning preferences (Fitkov-Norris, 2015). In other words, understanding of one learning style helps an individual to identify its weakness and overcome the deficit. Finally, the best way to incorporate learning styles in health promotion is through understanding the members learning styles and strategies. This can be achieved by educating the staff. Alternately, it may also be essential to understanding the character and behavior of the target audience.

References

Fitkov-Norris, E. D., & Yeghiazarian, A. (2015). Validation of VARK learning modalities questionnaire using Rasch analysis. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 588, No. 1, p. 012048). IOP Publishing.

Nisbet, J., & Shucksmith, J. (2017). Learning strategies. Routledge.

Fleming, N. (2014). The VARK modalities.

Entwistle, N., & Ramsden, P. (2015). Understanding student learning (routledge revivals). Routledge.

Discover Your Learning Style: The Definitive Guide (2017)https://www.educationcorner.com/learning-styles.htmlMultimodal Strategies. Retrieved April 22, 2017, http://vark-learn.com/strategies/multimodal-strategies/