Maryann Onwenu
Grand Canyon University
: NRS-429V (NRS-429V-O103) Family Centered Health Promotion
May 8, 2014
You need the title of your paper hereVARK Questionnaire Analysis
According to Marcy (2001), learning styles is a term used to refer to the methods of gathering, processing, interpreting, organizing, and thinking about information. Students’ learning styles vary along a spectrum, meaning that they are able to acquire information in different and unique ways. For example, the results of the VARK questionnaire describe me as a multimodal learner, which is a person who has a strong preference in more than two of the four sensory modalities (such as Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetics). The VARK questionnaire gives a person four scores (one for each sensory modality) which could be Research claims that the VARK questionnaire is a useful tool for students because it facilitates their learning by helping them realize their strengths and weaknesses (Marcy, 2001). Administering a learning style inventory can help a student become more engaged in their learning (Marcy, 2001). The VARK questionnaire is actually an acronym for the sensory modalities—Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetics. The visual sensory modality involves interpreting graphs, diagrams, and the like. The aural sensory modality involves listening to sounds, music, and voices. The read/write sensory modality is self-explanatory. The kinesthetics sensory modality involves tactile interactions and hands-on approaches.
My Learning Strategies are:
1. Setting a goal and a measurable expected outcome
2. Knowing my learning styles
3. Attending classes and doing assigned work
4. Actively participating during class
5. Effectively management of time between school and family
Distinction between My Preferred Learning Style and My Identified Learning Style
The results of the VARK questionnaire specifically identify meMy preferred learning style is as a visual learner., because that is the highest score in terms of sensory modalities. The usual learning styles for a visual learner is by processing information that they can see, such as graphs, flow charts, and pictures, which are useful to them (Fleming, 2009). The characteristics for a visual learner above apply to me. Highlighting certain key words and important points in text help me to memorize and understand the information. Creating flashcards and being concise help me review the material. Being able to illustrate concepts without the use of many words or information allows for the use of mental imagery. Converting notes into symbols, diagrams, and pictures allows for easy memorization and visualization for later recall.
However, The results of the VARK questionnaire identifies me as a multimodal learner in the visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetics sensory modalities. Multimodal learners are able to combine these modalities, such that they can adeptly use visual aids, incorporate and interpret sounds, read and write with proficiency, and be involved with physical activities. As a visual learner, it helps me to retain information easily because I can see it. As opposed to my identified learning style, it would be difficult for me to read and write because it takes too long to process information that has been read as opposed to seeing it. This idea allows me to say that being a visual learner helps me to retain information better than doing so contextually. Therefore, my preferred learning style would be the visual modality.
How the VARK Questionnaire Affects Students and Educators Alike
The VARK questionnaire allows educators to be considerate of the students’ learning styles and to adjust their teaching methods for the enrichment of their students’ education. Educators should make their teaching styles applicable to students that benefit from the different learning styles. This approach will instill in students a