Introduction
The VARK questionnaire is a tool used to assess an individual’s preferred learning style. Researchers and educators have identified several different learning styles. Visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic learning styles are a few. Every individual has a unique mix of learning styles. Teachers can better cater their instruction and materials to students’ learning styles by understanding their learning preferences. The following essay discusses several learning styles and how they promote good interpersonal communication.
Discussion
VARK Questionnaire Summary
Based on the VARK questionnaire, I have a diverse learning style with a preference for kinesthetic learning. I also prefer hands-on or experiential learning rather than being told about something or reading it in a book. I have a strong choice for aural learning, meaning I learn best by listening to others and having discussions. I pick up new information more easily when it is presented to me in an oral format rather than having to read it. I learn best when knowledge is given visually, such as through diagrams, charts, and other visuals; hence, I have a moderate preference for visual learning. As a result, when knowledge is presented to me in this manner, I can comprehend and recall it more successfully. Overall, I prefer to learn kinesthetic and aural, with a moderate preference for visual learning. Therefore, I learn best by doing and experiencing things firsthand, as well as by listening to others and having discussions. I find that visuals can be helpful in processing and remembering information.
Comparison of Current Preferred Learning Strategies
I prefer to learn using various methods, but I learn best when seeing and hearing what is happening. I like to be able to see the big picture and then break it down into smaller pieces. I also want to be able to hear how things are supposed to sound and to be able to ask questions if I am not sure about something. The identified strategies for my preferred learning style are to use visual aids, listen to audio recordings, and read and write about the subject matter. I think these strategies will help me learn best because they will allow me to see and hear what is going on and to break things down into smaller pieces.
In addition, I think that these strategies will help me ask questions if I am unsure about something. I currently use various methods to learn, but I learn best when I can see and hear what is happening. I like to be able to see the big picture and then break it down into smaller pieces. I want to be able to hear how things are supposed to sound and to be able to ask questions if I am not sure about something. The identified strategies for my preferred learning style are to use visual aids, listen to audio recordings, and read and write about the subject matter. I think these strategies will help me learn best because they will allow me to see and hear what is going on and to break things down into smaller pieces. I also think these strategies will help me ask questions if I am unsure about something.
Effects of Learning Styles on Individuals
The VARK questionnaire is a tool used to assess an individual’s preferred learning style. Each individual has a preferred learning style or a combination of learning techniques to understand better and perform educational activities (Shanmugavelu et al., 2021). Visual learners prefer to learn through visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, and charts. They can understand and remember information better when presented in a visual format. Aural learners prefer to learn through listening; they usually remember information better when it is presented verbally. Read/write learners prefer to learn through reading and writing; they understand and retain information better in a written format. Kinesthetic learners prefer to learn through hands-on activities; they understand and remember information better when physically engaging. While all learners can benefit from activities incorporating all four learning styles, each will likely learn best when activities are geared toward their preferred learning style (Shanmugavelu et al., 2021). For example, a visual learner may have difficulty understanding a concept verbally.
However, if that same concept is presented in a graphic format, the learner will likely have an easier time understanding it. Likewise, a kinesthetic learner may have difficulty understanding an idea if it is in a written format (Kharb et al., 2022). However, if that same concept is presented in a hands-on activity, the learner will likely have an easier time understanding it. It is important to note that each individual learns differently and that there is no right way to learn. Some people may find that they prefer a specific learning style, while others may find that they prefer a combination of learning styles.
Importance of Educators in Identifying Learners’ Learning Styles
Educators must identify their students’ learning styles and preferences to better cater to their needs by providing more targeted and practical instruction and understanding how each student learns best (Shanmugavelu et al., 2021). Some students prefer visual aids, while others prefer to learn by listening to audio recordings. While some want to read and write, others prefer to learn through kinesthetic activities. Educators need to be aware of the different learning styles and preferences that their students may have to best cater to their needs (Aldosari et al., 2018). Instructors can provide more targeted and practical instruction by understanding how each student learns best; hence, it can ultimately lead to more successful students. Educators need to be aware of the different learning styles and preferences that their students may have to best cater to their needs.
Learning Styles of Individuals Participating in Health Promotion
Health promotion is a process of enabling people to increase control over their health and improve their health. It is a multi-dimensional process that includes physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Understanding the learning styles of individuals participating in health promotion is essential to achieving the desired outcome. The VARK questionnaire is a tool that can be used to assess an individual’s learning style (Taheri et al., 2021). The questionnaire measures four learning styles: visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic.
Each individual has a preferred learning style, which can be used to tailor health promotion messages and activities to the individual. For example, a visual learner may like to see health promotion messages and activities demonstrated. In contrast, an aural learner may prefer to hear health promotion messages and activities explained. However, a read/write learner may choose to read health promotion messages and actions (Kharb et al., 2022). And a kinesthetic learner may prefer to experience health promotion messages and activities. Tailoring health promotion messages and moving to the individual’s preferred learning style will increase the likelihood that the individual will engage with the messages and activities and ultimately improve their health.
How we learn can significantly impact how well we absorb new information and positively change our lives. If we have a learning style that is not well suited to the task, we may struggle to make the necessary changes (Taheri et al., 2021). For example, someone with a solid visual learning style may work to make dietary changes if they have written information about healthy eating. However, if they can see visual representations of the benefits of healthy eating, they may make the necessary changes.
Similarly, someone with a solid kinesthetic learning style may struggle to make changes if they acquire information in a lecture format. However, if they can participate in hands-on activities that help them understand the benefits of the change, they may be more likely to make the necessary changes (Schnabel et al., 2022). Thus, the best way to promote positive behavioral change is to use various methods that appeal to different learning styles. This will ensure that everyone can access the information in a way that is most effective for them.
Accommodation of Learning Styles in Health Promotion
Different learning styles would be accommodated in health promotion by providing various information and materials to appeal to diverse learners (Schnabel et al., 2022). For example, visual learners could be given diagrams, charts, and other visual aids to help them understand concepts. In contrast, those who are aural learners could use audio recordings or podcasts to listen. Learners who read/write could use written materials to read and take notes. At the same time, kinesthetic learners could have opportunities to participate physically in activities or simulations (University of Mass Dartmouth, 2022). Providing various materials and activities allows all types of learners to engage in the health promotion process.
Conclusion
Different people learn in different ways; educators need to be aware of the different learning styles and preferences that their students may have to best cater to their needs. Understanding the learning styles of individuals participating in health promotion is essential to achieving the desired outcome. Tailoring health promotion messages and activities to the individual’s preferred learning style will increase the likelihood that the individual will engage with the notes and activities and ultimately improve their health.
References
Aldosari, M. A., Aljabaa, A., Al-Sehaibany, F., & Albarakati, S. (2018). [PDF] learning style preferences of dental students at a single institution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, evaluated using the VARK questionnaire: Semantic scholar.
University of Mass Dartmouth. (2022). How to accommodate different learning styles. Center for Access and Success | Student Affairs | UMass Dartmouth.
Kharb, P., Samanta, P., Manisha, J., & Singh, V. (2022). The learning styles and the preferred teaching-learning strategies of first-year medical students. Europe PMC.
Schnabel, J., Conrad, W., & Lunsford, D. (2022). Preferred learning styles of graduate health science students and the effect on academic performance. American Occupational Therapy Association.
Shanmugavelu, G., Parasuraman, B., Arokiasamy, R., Kannan, B., & Vadivelu, M. (2021). The role of teachers in reflective teaching in the classroom. Shanlax International Journal of Education.
Taheri, M., Falahchai, M., Javanak, M., Hemmati, Y., & Bozorgi, M. D. (2021). [PDF] analyzing the relationship between learning styles (Kolb and Vark) and creativity with the academic achievement of Dental Students: Semantic scholar.