As educators, we implement many educational approaches and instructional strategies in the classroom, wishing our students success.
Learning style defines the different ways people learn. In addition, it refers to the concept that each student learns, retains, and uniquely applies assimilated information.
History
The concept of learning styles has been present in educational discourse for more than a century. However, the modern understanding of learning styles dates back to the 1970s.
In 1971, David Kolb, an American educational theorist, proposed the experiential learning theory, highlighting the importance of learning through experience. Kolb's theory posits that people have different learning styles, determining how they remember best. According to Kolb, these learning styles can be categorized as divergent, assimilating, convergent, and accommodative.
In the 1980s, learning styles gained traction as researchers tried to understand how people process and retain information. One of the most influential models of learning techniques during this period was the VARK model, proposed by Neil Fleming in 1987. The VARK model identified four main learning styles: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic.
The 1990s saw increased interest in learning styles, and many educators and researchers attempted to apply the concept in classrooms. However, the scientific validity of learning styles came under scrutiny in the 2000s, and several studies suggested that no empirical evidence supports that teaching a student's learning style improves learning outcomes.
Despite these criticisms, the concept of learning styles remains popular among educators and learners. Many still believe that identifying and addressing individual learning styles can enhance learning.
At EDUTÁCTIL, we believe that educators need to know the learning styles of their students because it allows them to adapt their teaching methods better to match their students' preferences.
When students are taught in a way that aligns with their preferred learning style, they are more likely to retain information and have a deeper understanding of the subject. In addition, when teachers incorporate multiple learning styles into their teaching, they can reach a broader range of students and create a more engaging and inclusive classroom environment.
In this post, we will focus on the VARK Model.
Neil D. Fleming was a professor, researcher, and lead author of the VARK (visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic) model that explains how students learn.
The acronym VARK stands for visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic sensory modalities used to learn information.
Neil Fleming and Colleen Mills (1992) suggested four modalities defined below:
Visual (V): People who learn best visually prefer representations of information in maps, diagrams, tables, graphs, arrows, circles, and hierarchies. They often have a good sense of spatial relationships and are good at remembering things they have seen.
Auditory/Auditory (A): The aural or auditory modality includes speaking aloud, talking to yourself, and reading aloud. This learning style describes a preference for information that is "heard or spoken." Students with this modality learn best from lectures, group discussions, radio, use of mobile phones, speech, informal texting, and conversation.
Read/Write or Reading/ Writing(R): This style of learning highlights written communication. Students who prefer this modality are successful when presented with information, especially in manuals, reports, essays, and assignments. In addition, they use PowerPoint, the Internet, lists, journals, dictionaries, and Thesauri continuously.
Kinesthetic (K): According to the VARK Model, "refers to "perceptual preference related to the use of experience and practice (simulated or real)." Students with this preference would benefit from concrete personal experiences, concrete examples, practice or simulations, case studies, trials, applications, videos, and films of reality-based events. The kinesthetic learning style is also called tactile education.
It's important to note that while the VARK model can be helpful, it's not the only way to categorize or understand learning styles. It is also essential to consider that people may have a combination of learning preferences and may change over time. Therefore, educators must regularly evaluate and adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of their students.
By EDUTÁCTIL
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