Styles of Learning VAK: April 2017
Styles of Learning VAK: April 2017
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Abstract: This article helps the readers to understand the different learning styles like visual, auditory and
kinesthetic, based on the research work of Fernald, Keller, Orton, Gillingham, Stillman , Montessori and Neil D
Fleming. Learning styles are different approaches or ways of learning. Most people would have a preference to
identifiable method of interacting with, taking in, and processing information. It involves personalizing
the educating methods, particular to an individual that are presumed to allow that individual to learn best.
This article explains the importance of Based individualized "learning styles" that originated in the 1970s.
Learning styles are influenced by many factors such as individual experience, different intelligences and
personality factors such as a preference for learning alone or in a group. Our learning style will influence how
we cope with regular tasks in our life such as reading a map, reading book, a project plan etc. This article
throws lights on the usage of this concept by students and adults to understand their learning style and use this
knowledge to their advantage in order to excel in their life.
Key Words: learning styles, visual, auditory, kinesthetic, interacting, processing information, personalizing
education methods.
1. INTRODUCTION:
Learning styles are various approaches or ways of learning. They involve educating methods, unique to each
individual that are presumed to allow him/her to learn best. Most people prefer an identifiable method of interacting
with, taking in, and processing stimuli or information. Based on this concept, the idea of individualized "learning
styles" originated in the 1970s, and acquired enormous popularity.
Learning styles are influenced by many factors such as individual experience, different intelligences and personality
factors such as a preference for learning alone or in a group. Our learning style will influence how we cope with
regular tasks in our life such as reading a map or cooking a meal. A useful example to help understand this concept
better is how we learn to use a new piece of technology. We can approach it either by sitting alone, reading
instructions from beginning to end before or take a ‘hands on’ approach like pressing the different controls to discover
through trial and error or learn by seeing others using the same. This example helps to reflect about how learning
preferences vary among individuals. This said however, circumstances may also determine how each person learns
something new.
Such examples help us to think about how we have preferences for the manner in which we learn. Thus, understanding
learning styles approaches helps us to consider an individual’s dominant or preferred way of thinking in turn helping
us to learn better in lesser time.
Early History:
In the beginning, research focused on the relationship between memory and oral or visual methods. In 1904, Alfred
Binet, a French psychologist, developed the first intelligence test, which spawned interest in individual differences.
The study of learning styles was the next step: In 1907, Dr. Maria Montessori, who invented the Montessori Method
of education, began using materials to enhance the learning styles of her students. Dr. Montessori believed that
students do not demonstrate mastery of subjects through a multiple-choice answer sheet, but through their actions.
1950 to 1970:
The study of learning styles declined for approximately 50 years before re-emerging in the 1950s. The decline was due
to the rise in emphasis on IQ and academic achievement. In 1956, Benjamin Bloom developed a system known as
Bloom's Taxonomy, which took another step toward defining learning-style differences. Further advancement was
made when the Dunn and Dunn Learning Style Model was introduced in 1976, generating diagnostic instruments for
evaluation.
1980 to Present:
From the 1980s to the present day, different learning-style models have been developed building on previous
discoveries. In the '90s, the emphasis was placed on having teachers address learning styles in the classroom through
adjustments in curriculum that incorporate each style, giving an equal chance for students to learn.
Recent History:
Pedagogy, which refers to the method of teaching according to learning styles, has been used to train teachers to
accommodate different learning styles in the classroom. Since teachers are accustomed to teaching in their individual
style, the move has been to introduce other styles into the classroom. With the introduction and increased usage of
online courses, the importance of learning styles has grown; tests are administered to tailor courses to the individual.
Recent years have seen a change in the trends of education from pedagogy to andragogy i.e. from a teacher-centred
learning to a student-centred learning. Therefore, it is not only desirable but also essential for educators to recognize
that students have different learning styles and that they should tailor instructions to the characteristic ways in which
they prefer to learn.
Learning styles classify different ways people learn and how they approach information. In more complex terms, some
experts define different learning styles as the preferred processes students use when they learn, and some believe that,
unlike intelligence, students' particular learning styles are fixed. In other words, students will find it easier to learn in
their preferred learning style, and will find learning easier if the conditions are present to allow them to use their
learning style.
One of the most common and widely-used categorizations of the various types of learning styles is Fleming’s VARK
model (sometimes VAK - an acronym for the Visual (V), Auditory (A), and the Kinaesthetic (K) sensory modalities)
which provides the learners with a profile of their learning styles, based on the sensory modalities which are involved
in taking in information . This model expanded upon earlier Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) models.
In NLP the senses are split into three groups (Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic) which are referred to as
Representational Systems (rep systems). This term relates to the fact the brain uses the senses to build our internal
representation, or model of the world around us.
People commonly have a preferred learning style which may be a blend of all three senses. Some people have a very
strong preference while others have an even mixture of two or three styles. When an individual knows his or her
preferred learning style(s), he or she is able to understand the type of learning that best suits him/her. This enables
him/her to choose the types of learning that work best.
Some people learn by seeing (Visual); some people learn by hearing (Auditory); some people learn by doing
(Tactile/Kinesthetic). During childhood, each person advances through various stages of each style. Young children
are all kinesthetic learners. Visual and auditory preferences emerge later. Each person is born with tendencies toward
one main style. The dominant style may not always be the same, across different settings. It may vary or be combined
with others, according to the nature of the activity.
Prevalence:
Making up about 60%-65% of the general population, visual learners absorb and recall information best by seeing.
They have an inclination to see a concept as whole rather than individual parts. They benefit from seeing the aims and
objectives of learning sessions or from understanding the purpose of the session. Relying heavily on their senses and
enjoying working in groups where they observe non-verbal cues from colleagues, they learn through role play and
watching others perform or demonstrate a skill. Moreover, they also tend to have good control over sign language.
While visual learners tend to be good at spelling, they may forget names. Preferring a less formal setting to learn, a
traditional classroom environment may not be highly beneficial to them. They are usually organized and observant but
can be distracted by movement of others when they are trying to concentrate. With a tendency to daydream while
reading, they are likely to visualize what they are hearing. Visual Learners tend to be fascinated with colour and have
the ability to understand complex maps, graphs and charts. Hence, they may use colour coding, diagrams and symbols
to revise and help recall, or by re-writing pieces of text or other information in their own style.
Preferred Test Styles for Visual Learners: Essays, Diagramming, Maps, Demonstrating a process
Prevalence:
Making up about 30% of the population, auditory learners absorb information best through the sense of hearing.
Characteristics:
They may struggle to understand a chapter they have read, but then experience a full understanding as they listen to
the class lecture. They have the ability to follow verbal instructions readily and prefer to hear information rather than
read it. With a tendency to adopt a theoretical style of learning, they need to understand small parts and the
relationships between these parts in order to create a bigger picture and gain a deeper understanding. An auditory
learner is skill oriented, memorizes tasks well and benefits from traditional styles of teaching /lectures/ question and
answer sessions.
While they are able to orally communicate well, they may have difficulty communicating in written form. Auditory
learners are good at writing responses to lectures they have heard. They are also good at oral exams and learn
effectively by listening to information delivered orally, in lectures, speeches, and oral sessions. They may be reluctant
to make their own notes or conduct personal research and may prefer delivering presentations to a written report.
Auditory learners tend to have a knack for ascertaining the true meaning of someone's words by listening to audible
signals like changes in tone. When memorizing a phone number, an auditory learner will say it out loud and then
remember how it sounded to recall it. They tend to recall accurately what has been spoken, but may gain little benefit
from additional reading or writing out facts. They enjoy explaining their learning to others in the group and learn from
discussion.
Proponents claim that when an auditory/verbal learner reads, it is almost impossible for the learner to comprehend
anything without sound in the background. In these situations, listening to music or having different sounds in the
background (TV, people talking, etc.) will help learners work better.
Preferred test styles for auditory learners: Writing responses to lectures, oral exams
Prevalence:
Making up about 5% of the population, tactile and kinesthetic learners absorb information best by doing, experiencing,
touching, moving or being active in some way.
Characteristics:
According to Fleming’s learning style theory, students who have a predominantly kinesthetic learning style are
thought to be natural discovery learners. They prefer learning by doing as opposed to having thought first before
initiating action. With a tendency to prefer exploring concepts through experimentation, they may not benefit from
learning by reading or listening. Moreover, such students need few verbal or written instructions and are confident in
participating in hands on activities. Thus, kinesthetic learners would enjoy making things and learning through
practical activities and learn best in a laboratory, workshop, gymnasium, simulated or real environments where they
can be active.
The kinesthetic learner usually does well in things such as chemistry experiments, sporting activities, art and acting.
They also may listen to music while learning or studying. It is common for them to focus on two different things at the
same time. Kinesthetic learners' short- and long-term memory is strengthened by their use of their own body's
movements. They will often remember things by going back in their minds and visualizing their own body's
movements. They also have very high hand-eye coordination and very quick receptors.
In an elementary classroom setting, these students may stand out because of their constant need to move; high levels
of energy which may cause them to be agitated, restless and/or impatient; fidgeting a lot but may be unaware of this
and not distracted by their own ‘fidgeting’.
Practice a technique.
Participate in simulations.
Engage in hands-on activities.
Study in comfortable position, not necessarily sitting in a chair.
Preferred Test Styles for Kinesthetic Learners: Multiple choice, short definitions fill in the blanks
4. METHODOLOGY:
TARGET AUDIENCE
The VAK Assessment is applicable and used by individuals from various backgrounds, with children below 8 years of
age being an exception.
The test also meets requisite practical aspects as it includes the following considerations:
1. The items are formulated in simple layman English
2. The test is legible (can be easily understood)
3. The test material is durable (does not change across time)
4. Is applicable irrespective of gender, race or culture
SAMPLE ITEM
1. When operating new equipment for the first time I prefer to:
SCORING OF THE TEST (FOR PAPER-PENCIL FORMATS ONLY, AS THE ONLINE SCORES ARE AUTO-
GENERATED)
Each statement corresponds to one of the three learning mode preferences. There are 15 items for each learning style
(i.e. Visual, Auditory & Kinesthetic).
Step 1: Add up the scores for all fifteen items for each learning styles (1, 2 and 3 which correlates with Visual,
Auditory and Kinesthetic in a random manner).
Step 2: Divide each score by 45
Step 4: Multiply each score by 100
Step 5: The total of all three learning style should add up to 100.
The Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic learning styles model, usually abbreviated to VAK, provides a simple way to explain
and understand your own learning style (and learning styles of others) to assess your preferred learning styles, and
most importantly, to incorporate learning methods and experiences that match your strengths and preferences. There is
no right or wrong learning style. The fact is that there are different types of learning styles that suit different people.
Learning preference: The subject primarily learns through information presented in the Auditory and/or Visual mode
Auditory:
• The subject would benefit from reading aloud, as he/she can hear his/her own voice and learn
simultaneously
• Strong listening skills; he/she has the ability to easily grasp information when heard. Thus, can learn best
through the classroom mode, wherein he/she can hear the teacher’s lectures
• He/she displays the ability to pick up on sounds that others may miss out on
• Being sensitive to sound, he/she would be able to distinguish between changes in pitch, tone, etc.
• He/she prefers any material to be presented in the auditory mode, or supported with audio information
Visual:
• Information presented through visual aids such as books, notes, articles or write-ups would enhance his/her
learning experience
• He/she exhibits the ability to create mental images with ease to support learning, visualizing pictures of
texts when he/she remembers things
• He/she benefits from seeing the objectives of the lesson first or reading a synopsis/summary.
• He/she would enjoy reading and would much prefer having textual information being presented to him/her
• He/she is observant of environmental detail and would be able to pick up on cues that others may miss.
• He/she tend to learn best through role play and watching others perform or demonstrate a skill
Norms:
Norms are standard models or patterns regarded as being typical. A norm of one type or the other is a basic
requirement of all tests. A norm-referenced test / NRT is a type of test, assessment, or evaluation which yields an
estimate of the position of the tested individual in a predefined population, with respect to the trait being measured.
This estimate is derived from the analysis of test scores and possibly other relevant data from a sample drawn from the
population of secondary school students. A cross sectional study was conducted on 810 randomly selected secondary
school students (465 females and 345 males) who were enrolled in different schools across Singapore & India.
Reliability:
Reliability refers to the consistency of a test, or the degree to which the test produces approximately the same results
over time under similar conditions. Ultimately, reliability can be seen as a measure of a test’s precision.
Validity:
Validity refers to the degree to which a test measures what it claims to measure. A test is valid to the extent that
inferences made from it are appropriate, meaningful and useful. One of the methods of establishing validity is through
construct validity, which refers to the ability of the instrument to measure a non-observable trait – in this case –
learning modes. The results obtained from the cross-sectional study showed that 61% students had multimodal
learning style preferences and that only 39% students had single mode preferences. Amongst the multimodal learning
styles, the most preferred mode was bimodal, followed by the tri-modal. Of the 39% students who had single mode
learning styles, 26% preferred the kinesthetic mode, 7% preferred the visual mode, and 6% preferred the auditory
mode. Thus, these figures are representative of the construct validity of the assessment.
Proponents say that teachers should assess the learning styles of their students and adapt their classroom methods to
best fit each student's learning style, which is called the 'meshing hypothesis”, that a student will learn best if taught in
a method deemed appropriate for the student's learning Style.
The research study showed that most preferred VAK mode was the kinesthetic and the most preferred teaching—
learning method was practical/activity. A positive correlation (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r = 0.752) was
observed between the preferences of the VAK modes and the teaching learning methods.
It was also observed that a significantly higher number of female students preferred the auditory mode of the learning
style as compared to the males; whereas a significantly higher number of male students preferred the kinaesthetic
mode (p value <0.05).
The VAK is applicable to an array of contexts. In addition to its traditional usage in education contexts, the VAK
facilitates communication in sports coaching, workplace dynamics and even personal relationships.
Conflict resolution between people – Helps understand the differences in their styles, values, ways of
communicating and expressing their feelings.
Marriage/relationships - Creates greater understanding of the partners and the dynamics involved in their
relationship, exploring priorities and values, and resolving and preventing conflict.
IDP / Career and Vocational Guidance – Identifies an individual’s preferences in order to determine the
factors that are responsible for his/her satisfaction.
REFERENCES:
AUTHOR’S BIOGRAPHY
MR. SREENIDHI S K
The Managing Director of Oscar Murphy Life Strategists, Bangalore. He is a sought-after Motivational Speaker and
Keynote Speaker offering various life & leadership trainings for both small & large scale organisations across the
globe. He has 30 years of experience in the business world as a Life Strategist, Behavioural Master Trainer, Coach,
Change Catalyst, Business Owner and Entrepreneur. His key expertise lies in conducting sessions on Motivation,
Leadership, Spirituality, Business Leadership and People Empowerment for cross cultural leadership teams and
resonates powerful positive energy while interacting with individuals from across the world.
He is the most sought-after Motivational Speaker, and also a Keynote Speaker who offers various life & leadership
trainings for both small & large scale organisations. He is popularly coveted with the title of “Guruji” the one who
lends direction for seeking souls, instilling the seeds of hope, nourishing them with knowledge and lending wings to a
hundred thousand dreams while engraving self belief, passion and a zest for life