Understanding Learning Styles: VAK vs VARK

When it comes to education, one size does not fit all. Different individuals have different ways of processing and retaining information. To better tailor learning experiences to individual needs, the concept of learning styles has gained significant attention. This article delves into the four primary learning styles—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing—which are often categorized under two systems: VAK and VARK.

The VAK System

The VAK system stands for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. Each of these styles influences how individuals absorb and remember information.

Visual Learners

Visual learners rely heavily on seeing and observing to understand and remember information. They often find it easier to retain and recall information presented in a visual format such as diagrams, charts, and videos.

Examples of things visual learners might do include:

Using different colors while taking notes. This could involve using different colored pens, markers, or highlighters. Reading from visually-rich materials like photographs, diagrams, and flowcharts.

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners prefer to understand and retain information by hearing it. They benefit greatly from discussions, lectures, and audio recordings.

Examples of actions by auditory learners include:

Listening to music or white noise in the background while studying or taking tests. Verbalizing information to themselves or repeating it out loud to reinforce memory.

Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic learners thrive through hands-on activities and tactile experiences. They learn best when they can engage with the subject matter physically or practically.

Examples of activities for kinesthetic learners include:

Building models or engaging in physical demonstrations. Playing musical instruments or engaging in creative movements like dancing.

The VARK System

The VARK system extends the VAK framework by incorporating the R for reading/writing learners. This additional category recognizes that some individuals prefer to learn through reading and writing notes.

Reading/Writing Learners

Reading/writing learners find it easier to learn when information is presented through text. They often excel in note-taking and can benefit greatly from written explanations and materials.

Example of a strategy for reading/writing learners:

Writing lists or summaries to help remember information.

The Prevalence of Learning Styles

While learning styles are increasingly recognized, their practical applications can vary. Some individuals clearly fit into one or more categories, while others might exhibit traits from multiple styles. For example:

Visual learners might use diagrams and flowcharts. Auditory learners might remember phone numbers by the sound they make. Kinesthetic learners might be fidgety in class and enjoy hands-on activities. Reading/writing learners might make extensive notes and summaries.

Some learners may also:

Be good imitators. Have a need to understand the why behind the information. Feel more comfortable learning alone or in a quieter environment.

Conclusion

The concept of learning styles—VAK and VARK—helps educators and learners alike to understand how different individuals process and retain information. By recognizing and catering to these diverse learning preferences, we can create more effective and inclusive educational environments for everyone.