The VARK Learning Style

Learning styles and techniques differ for each person based on their capability to analyze process and memorize information. VARK is a model that provides insight on an individual’s learning styles. The VARK learning style is a theory developed by Neil Flaming in 1987. He designed VARK as a questionnaire so users can identify and make a profile of their own preferences of learning. (VARK, 2015) “It is a learning style guide that helps people to identify and reassess their study habits. According to Fleming, every type of learner has unique academic strengths and weaknesses. The main determination between a weak student and a strong student is the environment in which they are taught. ("Learning styles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia," n.d.)”

The term “learning styles” speaks to the understanding that every student learns differently. Technically, an individual’s learning style refers to the preferential way in which the student absorbs, processes, comprehends and retains information. For example, when learning how to build a clock, some students understand the process by following verbal instructions, while others have to physically manipulate the clock themselves. This notion of individualized learning styles has gained widespread recognition in education theory and classroom management strategy. Individual learning styles depend on cognitive, emotional and environmental factors, as well as one’s prior experience. In other words: everyone’s different. It is important for educators to understand the differences in their students’ learning styles, so that they can implement best practice strategies into their daily activities, curriculum and assessments. ("Learning Styles | Teach.com | Teach.com,"

During nursing school this student explains that she succeeded during her clinical rotations and in her skills lab, which primarily utilized a hand’s on learning approach. She states that at a young age she realized that she was more of a “hand’s on” learner. During nursing school she was able to retain a majority of information given to her when she was able to apply it to a real life event. This student also expresses that she felt more confident while she was being checked off for her skills lab or answering a question verbally than being able to answer a question on an exam. When it came to studying she would listen to and record lectures from her classes, read case studies, joined study groups and discussed the material they were to be tested on as well as practice procedures in the skills lab. She would also borrow materials to practice at home. This nurse once took a dissected sheep’s brain home over Thanksgiving holiday to study for an exam and to this day when looking at a cat has can still visualize the specific muscles etc. from her A&P