VARK Learning Styles
The acronym “VARK” is used to describe four modalities of student learning that were described in a 1992 study by Neil D. Fleming and Coleen E. Mills.
The acronym VARK stands for:
V – Visual learner
Visual learners, use images, pictures, colour and other visual media to help them learn.
A – Auditory learner
Auditory learners learn through listening. An auditory learner depends on listening and speaking as a main way of learning. They also use their listening and repeating skills to sort through the information that is sent to them.
R – Reading/Writing learner
Reading/writing-oriented students should be encouraged to take notes during classroom lectures to help them both process information and have an easier time recalling it later.
K – Kinesthetic learner
Kinesthetic learners are hands-on, participatory learners who need to take a physically active role in the learning process to achieve their best educational outcomes.
VARK Questionnaire
I believe, and the questionnaire I completed confirms it, my strongest mode of learning is as a Kinesthetic learner. Because of our active nature, kinesthetic learners often have the most difficult time succeeding in conventional classroom settings.
Some Famous Kinesthetic Learners
Some famous bodily-kinesthetic people are David Copperfield, Charlie Chaplin, Michael Jordan, Tiger Wood, Jim Carrie, Joe Montana, Kerie Strug, Tom Cruise and Jim Abbot.
During my time at school, there seemed to be one method of teaching and it did not work for me. I was not an engaged student. For me, the classes were boring and the subjects held very little interest. I attended school only because it was something expected of me.
As a martial arts teacher of children and adults, I have witnessed the different learning styles of students. Knowing about the four modalities of learning allows me to use various methods to get my students to understand what I am teaching.
Some of my martial arts students learn best by listening and following instructions. Others do their best when they see a demonstration of the technique. Many learn through a combination of different teaching methods.
Making classes fun is my priority. And doing my best to get all of the students actively involved. I find that adding games to the martial arts program keeps the students engaged, especially children.
Happy students are students who will keep coming to your classes.