Understanding Learning Preferences
The above video highlights The VARK Learning Theory which was developed by a education expert from New Zealand, Neil Fleming. It is a model that groups various learning preferences.
VARK is an acronym which stands for:
V: Visual
A: Auditory
R: Reading/Writing
K: Kinesthetic
​​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​Why Does it Matter?
​
It can be beneficial for you and your student to have a clear understanding of how they may learn best. However, this model is not designed for educators to completely modify their teaching approaches to meet all of their students' unique needs. Instead, it highlights the benefits of introducing knowledge using a wide variety of diverse teaching methods. Additionally, students can utilize this model to better reframe their own learning challenges, and instead capitalize on how they may learn material best through unique studying strategies that they can implement individually, increase confidence with an understanding that learning challenges can be temporary and improved upon, and allow them to better advocate for themselves and their unique needs!
​
​
​
​
​
References
Chetty, N. D. S., Handayani, L., Sahabudin, N. A., Ali, Z., Hamzah, N., Rahman, N. S. A., & Kasim, S. (2019). Learning styles and teaching styles determine students’ academic performances. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v8i3
​
Cole, J. Y., Graham, J., Norvell, S., & Schaber, P. (2024). Universal Design for Learning Principles Impact on Students With Neurodiverse Learning Styles. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 8 (2). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol8/iss2/4
​
Evenson, M. E., Roberts, M., Kaldenberg, J., Barnes, M. A., & Ozelie, R. (2015). National survey of fieldwork educators: Implications for occupational therapy education. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69 Suppl 2, 6912350020p1–6912350020p5. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.019265
​
Grenier, M. L. (2015). Facilitators and barriers to learning in occupational therapy fieldwork education: Student perspectives. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69 Suppl 2, 6912185070p1–6912185070p9. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.015180
​
Othman, N., & Amiruddin, M. H. (2010). Different Perspectives of Learning Styles from VARK Model. Procedia: Social & Behavioral Sciences, 7, 652–660. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.10.088
​
Prithishkumar, I. J., & Michael, S. A. (2014). Understanding your student: using the VARK model. Journal of postgraduate medicine, 60(2), 183–186. https://doi.org/10.4103/0022-3859.132337
​
Romanelli, F., Bird, E., & Ryan, M. (2009). Learning styles: a review of theory, application, and best practices. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 73(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.5688/aj730109
​
The Little Genius Workshop. (2018, April 10). What is VARK? How to Use VARK to Find Your Learning Style to be a Better Learner! [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXx8Je1v6Xo
​​​
VARK Learn Limited. (2024, April 26). VARK Questionnaire: How do you learn best? VARK - Helping You Learn Better. https://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/