Paper Sample
Introduction
In 1992, Fleming and Mills came up with a theory of teaching named VARK – Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic theory that adequately captured the needs and the experiences of students and teachers. In nursing, VARK is a critical learning tool that helps students effectively translate theory learning into practice (Mozaffari et al., 2020). This style of learning caters to the needs of different learners by making what has been learned in the classroom a reality.
As the name suggests, VARK uses visual learning, the depiction of information using pictures, diagrams, and any pictorial representations. Similarly, VARK uses aural learning, which is the learning through hearing and speaking. Concerning reading and writing, which happen the most important models of learning, the model encourages extensive student immersion. Lastly, VARK also uses kinesthetic learning, the use of practice and experiences, whether real or simulated to achieve the desired learning goals.
The VARK Questionnaire
Learners have their preferred learning styles which is often determined by numerous factors such as one’s physical and mental status, the level of preparedness for learning, and personal likes and dislikes. According to Chiang (2017), the identification of the appropriate learning styles impacts how teachers impart knowledge to students and the overall student outcome. The VARK questionnaire is a learning tool that aids learning by suggesting to learners the best strategies they should use. For example, individuals with a strong affinity for visual presence will often go for learning modes that contain a lot of spacing, charts, diagrams, plans, maps, and graphs. Other learners simply prefer listening to their teachers, while others prefer the reading and writing modality of teaching.
My Preferred Learning Style.
Having answered all the VARK questionnaire questions in the link provided, I chose to learn styles that resonated well with me. The chosen styles are reading and writing, and visual styles of learning. The fact that I prefer two models of learning makes me multimodal rather than unimodal. Concerning visual learning mode, this mode of learning resonates with me because being a medical student, much of what I learn in theory must be translated into practice. Turning theory into images such as pictures, graphs, and charts is critical for me as a learner.
Concerning reading and writing, I prefer this approach of learning because it empowers me to deeply comprehend what I am taught by being able to write down notes and read them later. Through reading, I can analyze, evaluate, and dissect the teacher’s notes. Similarly, reading gives me the ability to conduct further research on a subject by doing further reading or analysis of the literature. For me, this modal of learning makes it easier to remember and memorize lessons easily. When I write down notes, I can easily recall what I have written much easier than what I have heard.
A Review of other Learning Styles
Visual Learning
This is a type of learning characterized by the use of images, colors, drawings, maps, charts, graphs, and any other form of pictorial representation. A visual learner has numerous characteristics that endear him/her to visual learning. Some of the characteristics that define visual learners include being observant, has a liking for colors, enjoys going through maps, charts, pictures, and graphs. These types of learners need to physically see/examine a teacher’s body language and facial expressions to understand better what is being taught.
Kinesthetic Learning
This is a type of learning where students learn through physical activities rather than watching demonstrations or listening to teachers lecturing. In Kinesthetic learning, a teacher can use a variety of physical activities to enhance learning. Some of the most important strategies of kinesthetic learning include role plays, body mapping, drawing, webbing, mind mapping, and story mapping (Hernandez et al., 2020). Other common techniques under kinesthetic learning are using certain computer technologies that allow a learner’s body to move while learning. Physical activities such as drama, sports, and dance can be u
