VARK Analysis Paper
Grand Canyon University: NRS-429
April 20, 2014

In Fleming’s model, also known as VARK learning styles, one has the ability to determine their learning preference. There are four learning preferences: auditory, visual, reading and writing and kinesthetic. After completing a questionnaire read and write is the highest score that was received. The read and write learner prefers to take in information that is text based. Read and write learners according to VARK analysis utilize strategies such as: lists, headings, dictionaries, glossaries, definitions, handouts, textbooks, readings, notes, teachers who utilize words well, teachers that include a lot of information in their sentences, notes, essays and manuals (Fleming, 2013). There is no comparison to the preferred learning strategies previously utilized and those that were identified on the VARK analysis tool. The over-abundance of a lecture tends to be tuned out and never has a textbook been read in its entirety even when it’s assigned reading.
Though study guides have been used greatly throughout the years for their straight to the point bullets, or relevant small amounts of information. The multi model learner would be something that is more of comparison to the preferred learning strategy. Dependent upon the subject matter a learner may shift between if not two of the learning styles but all four. In a lab setting it is kinesthetic learning performing experiments and looking at things under a microscope. If in an art class then visually learning would take place. Medical terminology would be a read and write approach to learning and music class is it not aural learning? This must be why when the questionnaire is completed there is a score in all four learning preferences. To be labeled as a “strong read/write” the only strategy utilized to compare to the preferred learning would be that of writing notes but it is not verbatim and they are brief in the amount of information that is written down, the less the better. The awareness of individual learning styles, preferences and strategies influence those who are in the position to teach in that they are able to categorize their learners and give the information in a way that is going to illicit learning for those being taught. Teachers are able to better develop a lesson plan while utilizing the different individual learning styles. They can include graphs, models, speaking, handouts and reading assignments in learning. For example, there are coloring books that accompany the traditional textbooks for those learning Anatomy and Physiology for the kinesthetic learners. The majority of textbooks nowadays come with CDs to reinforce learning and accommodate the visual, aural and kinesthetic learning styles as well since they are on the most part interactive. For those in the position to learn by knowing their learning style then they can formulate strategies to take in, study and communicate the info learned in order to pass their studies. The read and write learner may want to condense their notes into index cards and repeat the information that way. The aural learner would have more than likely taped the lecture and have listened to it in their car and all over to get the information to stick. The kinesthetic learner might write paragraphs, look at videos or role-play in order to learn. The visual learner might study graphs, pictures watch a demonstration and be able to succeed in his or her studies. The Multimodal learner according to VARK, is able to adapt with those that are learning around them and makes up sixty percent of the population. An update to his thinking was added additionally and can not be reproduced without his permission but is very eye-opening. It coincides with what is written above that it is not about the group of learners but instead the subject matter that’s being presented which makes sense. In conclusion, there might be four learning styles but it cannot be that people prefer to learn just some of the many ways.

References
Fleming, N. VARK-a guide to learning styles. (2001-2011). Retrieved from http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page_content/multimodality.htm
Pritchard, P. Preferred learning Styles. (1999-2014). Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_5432589_preferred-learning-styles.html
Cherry, K. VARK Learning Styles. (2014). Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/educationalpsychology/a/vark-learning-styles.htm