This paper analyzes VARK learning style assessment results showing a preference for kinesthetic learning strategies over visual, aural, and read/write approaches. The author examines how kinesthetic learners benefit from hands-on experience, practical exercises, and real-world application, while also exploring how multimodal learning—combining multiple strategies—can enhance retention and knowledge absorption. The paper discusses the complementary roles of different learning modalities, including visual aids, reading/writing reinforcement, and aural learning, and emphasizes the importance of identifying individual learning preferences for effective teaching and academic success.
The results from the VARK examination show a higher preference for kinesthetic strategies with a score of six, while all other modalities scored the same at five. Kinesthetic approaches include learning through the senses, using examples, practical exercises, case studies, and hands-on trial and error. According to the VARK website, kinesthetic learning is described as learning through experiences rather than through screens or pictures alone. It demands a more hands-on type of experience. These learners are better equipped to study practical application rather than theory alone. While other strategies scored slightly lower than kinesthetic in this assessment, the results suggest that hands-on experience develops better memory and retention, at least for those who score highest in this category.
The preferred learning style for one who scores in this manner involves actual experience in whatever subject is being learned, supplemented by information derived from reading, diagrams, and visual learning. Diagrams provide an excellent way to visualize what is learned and help organize information effectively. Text derived from reading and writing helps express thoughts clearly and exercise theory and concepts in an efficient format—provided the text is concise and well-worded. Sometimes concepts are presented in ways that decrease understanding and mental absorption. This is why the use of keywords, different colored text, varied text sizes, and outlines can help those wishing to use text for learning purposes.
Kinesthetic learning examples include field trips and experiments. As one educational source notes, "A kinesthetic learner has a strong drive to explore material through doing and to move periodically. For both of these reasons, they can thrive in classes that involve activity, such as those that include laboratory experiments, role playing and field trips" (Kinestheticlearningstrategies.com, 2015).
The close, similar scores across modalities also suggest multimodal strategies—meaning all learning approaches can be used to further learning. Multimodal learning suggests the use of either all learning modes or just one or two, depending on the individual's overall learning capacity. As noted on the VARK learning website, "Keep in mind that some people with a multimodal preference need to have the same material presented in several of their modes in order to really learn it, while others can effectively learn using any single one of their multiple preferences" (Vark-learn.com, 2015). Personal preference suggests using kinesthetic learning techniques with read/write reinforcement and visual cues. This approach allows for hands-on experience while supplemental information reinforces memory and information absorption—either through a "learn from background then experience approach" or a "learn as one goes approach."
When comparing kinesthetic learning to visual and read/write strategies, people often cite differences based on application versus theory. Those with higher visual preference can visualize things better and learn faster by viewing pictures and diagrams. The same principle applies to read/write learners. Kinesthetic learning, by contrast, often involves all the senses and viewing a host of processes. For instance, consider learning how to ride a bicycle. A person wishing to learn via kinesthetic strategies would have to ride the bicycle in order to learn how to ride it. Read/write approaches would include a lesson plan and bullet points on the positions of the feet and legs when mounting the bike. Visual approaches would use pictures and diagrams to show body positions while riding the bike.
This comparison illustrates how the same skill or concept can be approached through distinctly different sensory and cognitive pathways. Learning styles research continues to explore how these different modalities interact and reinforce one another in educational contexts.
When looking at the other learning style, aural, questioning becomes an important means of learning. Debating, asking for repetition, and even the use of music can help in absorbing information more quickly. Although aural learning is not something that a person with a preference for read/write and visual modalities typically uses, it can still be a great way to learn. Memory through sound may help trigger specific cues in the brain. An excellent example of aural learning is the oral tradition of mythology and songs meant to communicate and pass on information. These are excellent ways to help retain information without using the other learning strategies—a "talk it out" approach.
Awareness of individual learning strategies becomes an important way to effectively and efficiently teach and learn. Some people have noticed clear learning difficulties when approaching regular curriculum, which might be due to individual learning strategy preferences. Some people can only learn through one learning strategy, while others can learn from any modality or best learn from a combination of all four. Learning outcomes vary significantly by individual. As educational researchers have found, "Just as there are divergent results with respect to how a statistics course impacts students' attitudes toward statistics there are also divergent results with respect to the effectiveness of 'active learning approaches' when teaching statistics" (Carlson & Winquist, 2011, p. 2).
Although many teachers currently seek active learning approaches, which involve the inclusion of various learning strategies and evaluation of learning preferences, traditional learning maintains a pervasive impact in many educational settings. This means students often have to take it upon themselves to identify what works best for them and then attempt to learn in that manner. For instance, a person who learns best visually may need to create many diagrams, charts, and graphs in order to retain knowledge. This may prove difficult when facing school requirements like essay writing and required reading, but with teacher and student communication, these obstacles can easily be circumvented. After all, the purpose of teaching is to help students learn something, regardless of the method by which that learning occurs.
Learning about the different learning strategies and what is most useful for an individual opens up a new world of learning potential. Anyone can learn, and it takes some effort to discover what works best. Sometimes people can learn through various strategies; other times, success comes through only one. However, understanding and identifying which approaches work best for an individual will enable higher learning and better retention of material and information.
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