This paper examines personal preferred learning strategies and their alignment with the VARK learning styles framework. The author identifies successful approaches including interactive lectures, demonstrations, index cards, and real-world case studies, then compares these preferences to VARK's auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic categories. The paper emphasizes that understanding learning styles—both individually and in group settings—enables educators and learners to design more effective teaching and learning experiences. Clear learning objectives combined with knowledge of preferred learning methods create the foundation for successful educational outcomes.
Historically, the most successful learning strategy has been a mixture of different styles. When first being introduced to a new subject, a lecture that includes a question-and-answer session is the most helpful. Listening to someone knowledgeable in the subject who is also interactive and willing to elaborate has helped make the information stick. Additionally, a lecturer who uses real-life scenarios has aided in comprehension. The easiest way to learn a new process has been by watching a demonstration and then demonstrating it back to the educator. Watching the procedure completed by the educator has ensured understanding of the steps.
Return demonstrations to the educator have aided in comprehension and retention of the procedure, and receiving feedback from the instructor has clarified expectations. When studying for a test, the most successful methods have been placing information on index cards, studying real-life scenarios, using computer games and simulations, and repeating the steps of a procedure multiple times. The repetition of index cards, computer games, and repeating a procedure helped ingrain the information in smaller chunks at a time.
Taking in and studying smaller bits of information at a time was easier to retain than reading information from a book, which tended to reduce concentration. Case studies and real-life situations made information more retainable because it was relatable, rather than being an abstract concept.
The VARK Analysis was very similar to the preferred strategies. In the past, working hands-on has been the best way to fully comprehend and retain new information. One discrepancy was that the VARK Analysis did not include lectures in the preferred learning style. In order to learn something new, the preferred strategy has been to listen to a knowledgeable educator lecture on the subject and then have an interactive discussion about it. According to the VARK website, this would fall under the aural preferred learning style. Another notable difference was that one of the VARK kinesthetic strategies was to discuss notes with another kinesthetic learner. This is not a preferred strategy, as discussing with others is too distracting. Being in a silent room alone is preferred, as it aids in concentration and focus.
"Applying learning styles to educational design"
Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.