Let me first start off by acknowledging that there are numerous learning models. The VARK model, which I will cover in this post, is only one of these models. I will cover other models in future posts, and I would recommend learning about them all and finding which parts from each sit well with you.
What are learning styles?
The popular theory is that everyone learns a little differently from everyone else. What works for one person will not necessarily work for another. So while one person will be able to learn while reading books, another may need to sketch out diagrams as they take in information.
Learning styles highlight how we best learn. They aid us in determining how to best structure our learning time and what methods of learning work best for us.
While reading about the learning styles below, think about what type of learning style resonates with you. Bear in mind that it is likely that you will be a mix of styles, or you may find that different styles work best for you in different situations. Don’t pigeonhole yourself into only learning by one method.
What is the VARK model?
VARK stands for Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic. It is a model that highlights preferred learning styles, made popular by Neil Fleming in 1987.
The VARK model theorises that people will learn best when they are presented with information in a way that aligns with one of the four learning styles:
- Visual learners – diagrams, doodles and shapes.
- Auditory learners – lectures and audiobooks.
- Reading and writing – textbooks, notes, and lists.
- Kinesthetic – experiments and hands-on activities.
Interestingly – the words people use may give some insight into their learning style. I hear what you are saying. I see your point. That feels about right. I’ve noted that.
Let’s now look at the 4 types of learners:
Visual learner
Visual learners will benefit most when they receive information in a visual way, such as through diagrams, illustrations, charts, and videos.
Conversely, information that is presented as text or spoken word will likely not have a great impact on them.
Am I a visual learner?
- Do you sketch/doodle as you learn?
- Does your mind wander when in a lecture with text-based slides?
- Does your mind wander when reading text-heavy textbooks?
If the above looks like you, then it would be worth exploring ways to incorporate visuals more into your learning sessions. You could try:
- Doodling relevant information and drawing charts
- Adding images to flashcards
- Watching a video on your chosen topic
Auditory learner
Auditory learners, or aural learners, will benefit most when they hear information. This could be in the form of a lecture or discussion with a teacher/friends.
They will not learn as well from textbooks or graphs.
Am I an auditory learner?
- Do you prefer listening to lectures over reading textbooks?
- Do you tend to read out loud?
- Do you gravitate towards audiobooks?
If the above sounds like you then there are a few ways to boost your learning:
- Explore the world of podcasts and audiobooks
- Make up songs for topics you find hard-to-remember
- Speak out loud as you read. See this post on Brainscape
Reading and writing learner (Text)
Learners who gain most from reading and writing will benefit most when they learn new information through text. This will likely be through the use of textbooks and written out/typed notes.
It is likely that text-based learners will not gain as much from spoken lectures or from someone telling them how to do something.
Am I a reading and writing learner?
- Do you love getting stuck into a textbook while learning?
- Do you write/type notes during or after learning?
- Do you strive to find books or articles on topics that interest you?
If the above reads like you then you may consider the below to aid in your learning:
- Take lots of notes
- Ask for handouts
- Try subtitles on videos
Kinesthetic learner
The kinesthetic learner learns best by doing and through body movement. This could be by performing an experiment, getting their hands on a physical object, or simply by moving their body.
Kinesthetic learners will likely struggle more in lectures or by trying to learn from textbooks.
Am I a kinesthetic learner?
- Do you love to do things, rather than read or hear about them?
- Does your mind wander easily when teachers simply tell you what to do?
- Do you find that you need to perform an action or task to really learn it?
If the above feels like you then the below points may help you to learn effectively:
- Put into practice what you are learning as soon as you can
- Try a standing desk to aid in movement
- If it’s possible, physically touch what you are learning
- Role-playing
What is my preferred learning style?
To find your preferred learning style, read through the above points and try to recognize them in yourself as you are learning. It is likely that you will take attributes from different styles so don’t ignore any of the points.
Experiment with different learning styles and you’ll find what works best for you.
That’s all for the main part of this post, but read on below for some FAQs
Thanks for reading,
Iain McClafferty – The Five Year Mortgage
FAQ
Should I focus on one learning style?
Although you may predominantly fall into one of the 4 learning styles, it’s not a good idea to religiously stick to learning in that manner. You will no doubt find that you are a mix of different styles so it’s important you experiment and find what works best for you.
Sometimes different topics may lend themselves to different styles also. So keep an open mind!
Are learning styles real?
The negativity towards learning models seems to come from the belief that we shouldn’t restrict the way we learn to one style. I completely agree that we shouldn’t solely follow one style to learn everything. The idea behind the models isn’t to restrict how we learn but to discover ways that may help us learn.
If we are clever and realise that we won’t fall solely into one style, then we are simply using the model to explore and realise how we may learn best.
What other learning models are there?
I will cover other learning models soon, but for now, other notable models are Honey and Mumford, Gregorc, and Kolb.
