Undoubtedly, each individual can learn effectively in different ways. Some people need to read an article and write down some notes to understand a particular topic, while others prefer to watch a video and draw diagrams. It is impossible to determine the most successful approach, as everything depends on a multitude of learners’ personal characteristics. Nevertheless, understanding which learning styles suit a person the most is useful for both students and educators. The VARK (Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic) questionnaire helps determine them and make the most of the learning process. Therefore, the analysis of my VARK results and different learning styles is essential to achieve the best outcomes.
To begin with, my learning preference is multimodal, including visual and kinesthetic styles. In general, I got one score in aural and read/write styles and nine scores in kinesthetic and visual styles. I have always understood that listening to podcasts, discussing some topics in groups, and explaining different concepts verbally do not work for me. I may enjoy such approaches, though they are not effective in my case. However, I was surprised to discover that the read/write style is not suitable for me. I often read articles and write down some notes while learning new information, but I will employ different diagrams if a topic does not engage me. Therefore, I had already been aware that visual style enhances my learning process the most before completing the questionnaire. Regarding kinesthetic strategies, I had never considered them, and after discovering relevant information, I concluded that they work for me as well.
According to the VARK questionnaire, visual and kinesthetic styles suit my learning process the most. First, I always do drawing to understand some concepts better. Unless I see various graphs, charts, and diagrams, it may be challenging for me to grasp the main ideas. Moreover, I avoid reading long texts, which do not use different formats, such as bright colors, bold or italicized words, and pictures. The identified strategies for the visual style include trying other spatial arrangements on a page, using various fonts, uppercase letters, underlining, bright colors, highlighting, turning tables of figures into graphs, and drawing objects to demonstrate one’s ideas (“Visual Strategies,” n.d.). Furthermore, I often enjoy solving practical problems, working in a team, putting knowledge into practice, and being concrete. It is noted that the identified strategies for learners with the kinesthetic style are reading case studies, watching videos that show real cases, looking for examples of principles, and learning by trial and error (“Kinesthetic Strategies,” n.d). The identified learning strategies for my preferred learning styles are similar to those I use on a daily basis.
Furthermore, individual learning styles play a critical role for both educators and learners. On the one hand, teachers should identify learning styles and preferences when working with students. Even though it is debatable whether it can improve learning outcomes, it is evident that it may engage learners and motivate them to study. According to Bokhari and Zafar (2019), institutions’ curriculum should be associated with different learning approaches. Unfortunately, educators may not realize the importance of learning styles and apply only the strategies which personally suit them the most, ignoring students’ preferences. Undoubtedly, it is likely to lead to adverse consequences. On the other hand, learning styles may affect how students can understand and perform educational activities. Therefore, being aware of one’s learning style can enhance the learning process and boost performance. In general, educators and students should pay more attention to different learning strategies and use them to be more effective.
Finally, the importance of different styles for individuals participating in health promotion is significant. They help achieve the best outcomes, affect behavior, and be successfully accommodated in health promotion. For example, if educators practice different approaches and employ kinesthetic strategies, they will prepare learners for real-life challenges. Moreover, Bokhari and Zafar (2019) note that “Different institutional had different teaching methods that also influence learning behaviors, as some institutions emphasize small discussion group compared to didactic lecture-based learning given to students” (p. 2). Therefore, learning styles shape behavioral patterns both in learning and at work. Individuals participating in health promotion can successfully accommodate different learning styles by realizing that people are different. What works for one person may fail for another; thus, it is essential to identify others’ learning styles and use this information to reach the desired outcomes.
In conclusion, the VARK questionnaire is an effective way to discover one’s learning styles and to understand how to make the learning process more effective. My results revealed that visual and kinesthetic strategies are the most effective for me, and I agree with them, as I observe these behavioral patterns in my daily life. What is more, being aware of learning styles and applying them is vital for educators and learners. They can help people participating in health promotion to achieve better results. However, it is essential to remember that people are different and have their own unique characteristics, which should be considered while working with them.
References
Bokhari, N. M., & Zafar, M. (2019). Learning styles and approaches among medical education participants. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 8(181). Web.
Kinesthetic Strategies. (n.d.). VARK. Web.
Visual Strategies. (n.d.). VARK. Web.