Learning Style Questionairre: VARK If you go to the following website, you can access the VARK Learning Styles Questionairre. When you have completed the questions (10), you will get results in four areas titled "aural, visual, reading/writing, kinesthetic." An explanation of what these areas mean is below the URL (in blue) that follows. Remember, having a preference for a learning style does not mean that you learn only one way; in fact, most of us are "multi-modal." Having prefered learning styles means that one (or two) modes of learning might make learning in this mode easier for you than in other modes--based on the kind of material you are required to learn.
you will have results that tell your preferences for ways you learn best. Remember that this is a very short “test” and that your learning style does not completely define how you best learn. Most of us have a couple of strong learning styles, but are able to learn in all four ways. Also the type of material we are learning also affects our learning preferences.
For example, you might rely on your reading and writing preferences when you are in a class that requires a great deal of book reading and note-taking, such as a history of psychology course. During an art or automotive class, you might depend more on your visual and kinesthetic preferences as you take in pictorial information and learn new techniques.
Visual (Seeing) Learners:
Visual learners learn best by seeing. Charts, diagrams, illustrations, and videos are all helpful for visual learners. People who prefer this type of learning would rather see information presented in a visual rather than in written format.
If you think you might be a visual learner, answer the following questions:
· Do you have to see information in order to remember it?
· Do you pay close attention to people’s body language?
· Is art, beauty, and aesthetics important to you?
· Does visualizing information in your mind help you remember it better?
If you can answer yes to most of these questions, you likely have a visual learning style.
Aural (Hearing) Learners:
Aural (or auditory) learners learn best by hearing information. They tend to get a great deal out of lectures and are good at remembering things they are told.
Are you an auditory learner? Consider the following questions:
· Do you prefer to listen to class lectures rather than read the same information from the textbook?
· Does reading out loud help you remember information better?
· Would you prefer to listen to a recording of the class lectures instead of going over your class notes?
· Do you create songs or rhymes to help you recall information?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you are probably an auditory learner.
Reading and Writing Learners:
Reading and writing learners prefer to take in information that they read. Text-based materials are strongly preferred by these learners.
Read through the following questions and think about whether they might apply to you.
· Do you find reading your textbook to be the best way to learn new information?
· Do you take a lot of notes during class and while reading for school?
· Do you enjoy making lists, reading definitions, and creating PowerPoint/Prezi presentations?
· Do you prefer it when instructors use the document camera or other overheads and handouts?
If you answered yes to these questions, it is likely that you have a strong preference for the reading and writing style of learning.
Kinesthetic Learners:
Kinesthetic (hands-on) learners tend to learn best by touching and doing—they prefer "hands-on" experience. Not sure if you're a kinesthetic learner? Answer these questions to find out:
· Do you enjoy directly manipulating objects and materials?
· Is it difficult for you to sit still for long periods of time?
· Are you good at hands-on activities such as painting, cooking, mechanics, sports, or building things?
· Do you have to physically practice something to understand it?
If you responded yes to these questions, then you are most likely a kinesthetic (hands-on) learner.