We are all designed to function differently. From thinking to learning and to doing a task, we have our own style, which sets us apart from other people.
The “one thing suits all” approach doesn’t always work and what better example than a classroom to prove it?
Thankfully, many concepts on learning styles have been identified by various experts. Teachers can benefit from these concepts, which help understand a student’s learning preferences.
There are many concepts – Kolb’s model and the Jungian learning styles, etc. – that identify different styles of learning. One such popular model was put forth by Neil Fleming in 1987.
Fleming’s VARK model categorizes learners into:
- Visual learners: Learn better by visualizing and prefer:
- Diagrams
- Mind maps
- Algorithms.
- Aural learners: Learn better by hearing and prefer:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Audio recordings
- Kinesthetic learners: Learn better by doing things and prefer:
- Videos
- Role play
- Simulations.
- Learning through reading/writing: Learn better by reading/writing and prefer:
- Articles
- Slides
- Handouts.
The categorization mainly helps understand different learning styles. In case of classroom learning, combining all the above modes also works. As for the percentage of people that can be put under each of these categories, following is a simple infographic that gives a rough idea:
VARK Learning Style Classification
(Note: The numbers are approximate. Please cross-verify the information before using for research or other academic purposes)
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