Vark Analysis

Reading and Writing Learning Preference Crystal D. Lynch Grand Canyon University NRS 429V November 11, 2012 Learning Style After completing the Vark questionnaire, this author showed a strong preference for learning by reading and writing. In the reading and writing learning preference, this preference is for information displayed as words (Fleming, 2001). Many students and teachers show a high preference toward this type of style. The ability to write, and read well are attributes widely sought by employers of recent graduates.In this learning style, emphasis is on text based input and output, using all forms of material especially manuals, reports, essays and textbooks (Fleming, 2001). People who prefer this model spend hours on the internet, gravitating toward power point presentations over audio presentation. In defining the reading and writing learning strategy, the author identified that the reading and writing learning model uses intake of material in a text-based format. It u ses lists, headings, dictionaries, handouts and textbooks as the prime source of intake material.Notes taken during lecture and manuals are also used as a source. When preparing to study, rewriting notes taken during lecture, and reading notes over and over, either out loud or silently, are some strategies used in this type of learning style. When preparing for test assignments or exams, taking practice exams with multiple choice questions is often helpful for students with the preference for the reading and writing learning style. In comparing, this authors’ preferred learning strategy to the identified strategies already in place, the model is actuate with only a few slight differences noted.This author finds it extremely helpful to use handouts, textbooks, and lecture notes as reference material when studying. Rewriting lecture notes, after class, has also been very beneficial for this author, as well as taking practice exams with multiple choice questions, which has been an effective aide in preparing for taking major examinations. Reading rewritten lecture notes out loud and over and over several times is a common study habit for this author.In contrast, however; the model suggests that students that lean toward this preference spend hours on the internet searching material and using power point presentations as a way to enhance their study habits. This author finds using the internet to be distracting, and cumbersome wasting time with material that is not beneficial. In addition, she finds the format of power point presentations hard to follow. The model suggests turning diagrams and charts into words as a helpful tool; not being accustom to using diagrams or charts this idea has not been tested by this author.The Vark questionnaire has raised some valuable points in the need for this author to make a change in the present study habits being used. Incorporating the differences into strategies already in place, with those listed on the Vark analysi s, should enhance the study habits, allowing for better results. The use of the internet as a resource as an enhancement to the study material can be beneficial, although the need to learn to use the internet in a more efficient way will help take some of the frustration out of searching endlessly for the material needed.The incorporation of the library as a resource is another area that this author will need to further investigate. Improving the way, in which the library is accessed, can be beneficial in enhancing the desired outcome for this student. In the final analysis of the Vark learning assessment tool: it is valuable, as it alert the student to the preferences they have toward learning. The assessment tool focuses on the best way to learn using a sensory model. The Vark model of learning styles is one of the most popular models in us today by students and educators.Developed by Neil Fleming in 1987, learners are identified by whether they have a preference for visual, audit ory, reading and writing, or kinesthetic learning (Cherry, 2012). The Vark questionnaire provides strategies that can lead to success in any learning environment (Fleming, 2011). The Vark model is not an exact science, but a guideline to help the student recognize their learning preferences, in an attempt to enhance study habits. By completing the Vark model assessment, the student is enabled to become more successful at tudying and to retain the information being taught. In conclusion, this author feels that the Vark questionnaire is a valuable tool in enhancing the success of students. By learning to recognize their study habits and incorporating those findings identified from the model, the student will become more proficient by limiting the time it takes preparing for an assignment. To be successful in the ever-competitive job market, students must learn to take advantage of all resources available.The Vark assessment is one such tool that can enhance the students’ abilit ies to succeed. Addendum Your scores were: Visual: 3 Aural: 5 Read/Write: 12 Kinesthetic: 1 You have a very strong Read/Write learning preference. References: http://www. vark-learning. com/english/page. asp http://psychology,about. com http://www. ehow. com Fleming, Neil copyright 2001-2011, Vark: A Guide to Learning Styles. Cherry, Kendra, About. com Guide2012, VARK Learning Styles: Visual, Aural, Reading, and Kinesthetic Learning. Vark Analysis The VARK Questionnaire is a great tool to use when deciding what one’s best learning strategy is. There is no wrong way to learn, only what works best. This paper will focus on multimodal study strategies and how other learning strategies compare. Summary of Multimodal Learning There are many different study strategies out there. According to VARK, the main study strategies include: Aural, Kinesthetic, Visual, Read/Write and Multimodal. In this case, multimodal will refer to using both visual and read/write study strategies.If one has many different ways they like to study they fit in to the multimodal category. â€Å"Approximately 60% of any population fits (this) category† (Fleming, 2001). Multimodal simply means that one utilizes more than one study strategy in order to learn certain subjects and/or material. Preferred Learning Strategies Visual learners prefer pictures, diagrams, graphs, flow charts, etc. For example, Jason wanted to score well on his exam. He used pictures and graphs he learned about in class, re-drew them repeatedly how he saw them, and chose the correct answer on the exam.Neil Fleming, the author of VARK Questionnaire, stated that one is â€Å"often swayed by the way something looks†¦and is interested in color and layout and design and you know where you are in your environment† (Fleming, 2001). For example, note cards used would be color-coded. Read/write study strategies focus on lists and words. Jason and others that think this way believe that â€Å"meanings are within the words† (Fleming, 2001). Jason, in this case, would utilize handouts, dictionaries, textbooks, and notes for studying.After reading these things through, Jason would then convert them into a way that was easy for him to understand. Diagrams, charts, and graphs would be turned into words and the meaning of the text would become much easier to understand. These words would then be written down on note cards to make for an easier and mo re efficient way of studying. With the combined visual and read/write study strategies, more of a secure feeling of knowledge is felt. In other words, the more ways he/she studies something; the more he/she will really learn it. Each student in a classroom has a unique and complex system of thinking and learning† (Lutz, 2011). Although multimodal studying works for Jason, it may not work for others. This is why there are several study strategies out there in order to cater to each unique individual. Comparison of Learning Strategies Two other study strategies that might help are Aural and Kinesthetic. â€Å"An aural learner soaks up information the easiest when it is presented in an auditory way. Speaking, listening and music all come naturally to the aural learner† (Priddy, 1999).In other words, he/she learns best by listening. He/she might tape class lectures, get together with a group to talk about certain subjects, or read their notes out loud when studying for an e xam. Kinesthetic learners â€Å"learn best when they discover things by doing them† (CLARE, 2010). If he/she is a kinesthetic learner, it might be hard to sit still in class and he/she will rarely take notes. He/she learns best by being active, physically. If he/she were this type of learner, it would help to make flash cards, and study for short periods over time.It is best to ask for help in class by way of examples. The more examples there are, the better. When comparing Jason’s preferred multimodal method of learning with the other above mentioned study strategies, multimodal works best for him. This is because he is able to combine more than one study strategy in order to achieve success in the learning environment. With multimodal referring to both visual and read/write study strategies in this case; VARK is spot on when detailing what works best for these learners.Visual, Aural, and Kinesthetic study strategies my be useful but will not give Jason the results th at his multimodal study strategies do. Study Habits Emphasis with these study strategies would be on utilizing highlighters, symbols, pictures and re-writing/re-reading notes over and over again (Fleming, 2001). However, one thing that Jason might want to include would be to imagine notes he made as multiple-choice questions in order to test himself on the info that has been collected. This is done in order to make sure that he is on the right track with his information.When in doubt always ask questions! Conclusion In conclusion, The VARK Questionnaire is indeed the best way to find out what one’s best learning strategy is. Not everyone learns the same way and it is because of that these learning strategies are out there. Multimodal studying works best for Jason but may not be the best choice for others. Find out what is, mold it in to a specialized, individual study plan, and stick with it. There is no wrong way to learn, only what works best. References CLARE. (2010, Decem ber 13).The study gurus: study advice for kinesthetic learners. Retrieved from http://www. thestudygurus. com/kinesthetic-study-tips/ Fleming, N. (2001). Vark: A guide to learning styles. Retrieved from http://www. vark-learn. com/english/page. asp? p=helpsheets Lutz, D. (2011, September 09). Learning strategies. Retrieved from http://www. seenmagazine. us/articles/article-detail/articleid/1663/multi-modal-learning-strategies-for-all-students. aspx Priddy, B. (1999). ehow: Aural learning style. Retrieved from http://www. ehow. com/about_5472528_aural-learning-style. html