Permalink: https://thestudycorp.com/vark-analysis
VARK Analysis
Since birth, human beings are continually learning, and their learning styles differ depending on the person. It is thus essential for each to identify the learning style that best suits them (Bhagat et al., 2015). A specific analysis tool is the Visual, aural, read/write and kinesthetic (VARK) allows one to recognize their style that better prepares them throughout their educational process. Neil Fleming designed the tool in 1987 as a sixteen question assessment scores. After tallying the results, the tool shows where the individual falls within the five strategies. Understanding an individual’s learning styles improves the capacity of teaching others in different settings. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the nurse’s scores of the VARK questionnaire, compare their identified learning style with the rest and identify the required changes to improve one’s learning behavior.
As you continue, thestudycorp.com has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is place an order with us.
Learning styles are the modes used to collect, interpret, process and reflect on educational materials. Learning preferences are those modalities in which one has a natural preference for (Almigbal, 2015). Students are different in their learning preferences, and it is crucial for educators to effectively deliver information in accordance with the demands of the students. Learners understand proficiently when teaching approaches combine different activities which exhilarate and enhance the visual, aural, read/ write and kinesthetic learning modalities.
After tallying the scores, I identified myself as a multimodal with a firm emphasis on read/write and kinesthetic. Multimodal refers to the combination of two or more learning types. According to Fleming, multifocal individuals are more flexible on how they deliver information. However, such individuals require sensory input and output through all modes before they become satisfied with what they have learned. As a nurse, I was not surprised with the results as I tend to utilize read/write and kinesthetic modalities in most learning processes.
The highest scores were in kinesthetics, which I agree to, since doing activities hands-on provides me with a better understanding of the educational material. For example, when carrying out clinical rotations, I am better adapted to certain activities after doing them. An example is the insertion of catheters. I excel well by overlapping the two modalities using hands-on approach, visual aids, dictionaries and handouts. When studying for exams and quizzes, I find textbooks and other written materials of great importance.
As a kinesthetic learner, I am partial in acquiring knowledge through practice and exposure. Rather, I find the acquisition of knowledge associated with reality. I grasp information best by utilizing all the senses such as smell, touch, sight, hearing and taste. Particularly, working in the hospital laboratory, participating in field trips, listening to lectures on real-life circumstances, working hands-on and, looking at recipes that are capable of resolving a problem are of great significance. Retaining information is enhanced through the reduction of notes and using illustrations to illuminate a concept.
In the third and fourth position were visual and aural modalities. It reflects my preference for visual modality since picture graphs and coloration grab my attention and enable me to remember the content taught. Particularly, I utilize the aural modality through engagement in discussions with classmates since talking about a subject increases my understanding. During the comparison, I noted that my preferred style is visual and kinesthetic. The fact that the visual modality was not at the top of the list was however astonishing. Kinesthetic modality topped the list, and I found it odd that visual modality and learning from doing correlate.
I scored in all the four modalities, reflecting the usefulness and the capability of adapting in various learning situations. Nonetheless, I feel that aural learning modality presents the possibility of errors. One should learn the relevant knowledge and understand and not repeating it in their head over and over. Similarly, read/ write contributes to memorization. In the field of nursing, nurses should gain knowledge through understanding instead of memorizing a material which could be tested as a broader subject later.
After reviewing the learning styles, it is imperative to note that some modifications are required to improve my learning capabilities. Significant changes include incorporating more books and diagrams. Also using a tape recorder to brainstorm ideas and explaining data to people unfamiliar with what they are learning is essential. Information on learning styles with be of a profound benefit since one effectively understands themselves through acquiring knowledge concerning the overall learning theories. Through incorporation of different strategies, I will improve my study habit, education and grades, contributing to overall satisfaction about my work as well as studies.
According to Michael and Prithishkumar (2014), educators should diversify their teaching styles to gratify the preferences of each learner. Awareness of preferred learning styles for different learners is necessary to allow teaching fluctuate from traditional teacher-centric approach to a student-centric reciprocating process. Diverse knowledge modalities are imperative to the practical moulding of learners educational preferences. People with multimodal educational preference need similar objectives presented in multiple modalities to understand educational materials fully. Previous studies have concluded that educators who match their teaching with the preferred learning styles of students record higher scores (Laxman et al., 2014). It also makes learning easy and enjoyable.
As you continue, thestudycorp.com has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is place an order with us.
In conclusion, VARK enables an individual to understand their learning style of preference. Utilizing the tools specifically designed for an individual improve their learning and comprehension of various educational materials. I identified myself as a multifocal learner, with a high preference for kinesthetic learning. VARK also highlighted other learning modalities than that can be utilized to reinforce one’s study habits.
VARK Analysis – References
Almigbal, T. H. (2015). Relationship between the learning style preferences of medical students and academic achievement. Saudi medical journal, 36(3), 349.
Bhagat, A., Vyas, R., & Singh, T. (2015). Students awareness of learning styles and their perceptions to a mixed method approach for learning. International Journal of Applied and Basic Medical Research, 5(Suppl 1), S58.
Prithishkumar, I. J., & Michael, S. A. (2014). Understanding your student: using the VARK model. Journal of postgraduate medicine, 60(2), 183.
Laxman, K., Sandip, S., & Sarun, K. (2014). Exploration of preferred learning styles in medical education using VARK modal. Russian Open Medical Journal, 3(3).
