How do you learn? The VARK model
People learn differently, and understanding your learning style, especially through the VARK model, can enhance personal and professional growth.
Today, I want to talk about how people learn.
I still remember when I attended my Train the Trainer course back in 2014 in London, which I enjoyed quite a lot.
Of course, we covered the key elements for training delivery, but what especially resonated with me was the topic of Learning Styles, as I could identify the learning habits I had developed over time, and thus understand the best way I learned.
Why am I raising this today?
Because not everyone learns in the same way, it can be one style or a combination of different styles.
Now that we have just started 2025, you might be considering developing yourself in certain areas.
It’s important to consider the learning style that best suits you, whether in an educational, professional, or personal context, such as:
When you choose a course or training program
When you are teaching or training others
When you are designing learning content
When you are learning something new yourself
Although VARK and Kolb's learning style models are the most well-known, in today’s article, I am focusing on the VARK model.
Today I start with the VARK model and I cover:
What is the VARK model and key principles?
The Visual learning style
The Auditory learning style
The Reading/Writing learning style
The Kinesthetic learning style
The VARK Questionnaire
Let’s dive in! 🤿
What is the VARK model and key principles?
The VARK model is a learning style framework developed by Neil Fleming in 1987. VARK is an acronym that represents four primary ways that people learn: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic.
The VARK model is more commonly used in educational settings and when designing training strategies to effectively reach all learners. However, it can also be applied in the workplace and for personal development. It focuses on sensory preferences (how information is received) and allows for the combination of different styles (multi-modal).
The Visual learning style
These learners:
Prefer learning through diagrams, charts, and visual representations to understand complex information and relationships
Excel when using mind maps, flowcharts, and visual hierarchies to organise and remember information
Often improve understanding by converting written notes into visual formats like diagrams or timelines
Learn effectively through videos, demonstrations, and visual presentations that show step-by-step processes
Benefit from using color-coding systems and highlighting to organize notes and emphasize key points
The Auditory learning style
These learners:
Process information best through listening and verbal communication, making lectures and audio materials highly effective
Remember information by talking it through and engaging in group discussions about the subject matter
Often benefit from recording lectures and listening to them multiple times for better retention
Learn effectively by explaining concepts to others and participating in study groups
May find success in creating songs or rhymes to memorise important information
The Reading/Writing learning style
These learners:
Absorb information most effectively through written words and text-based materials
Excel at creating detailed written notes and rewriting key points in their own words
Prefer to express ideas and demonstrate understanding through written assignments and essays
Learn well by transforming charts and diagrams into written descriptions
Benefit from making lists, writing summaries, and maintaining study journals
The Kinesthetic learning style
These learners:
Learn most effectively through physical engagement and hands-on experience with the subject matter
Remember information better when they can associate it with movement or physical activity
Excel in laboratory sessions, field trips, and practical exercises that involve active participation
Benefit from role-playing scenarios and physical demonstrations of concepts
Often improve learning by walking whilst studying or using physical objects to work through problems
The VARK Questionnaire
There is a questionnaire available to help you identify your preferred learning style according to the VARK model. You can access the VARK Questionnaire on the official VARK website:
The result of the questionnaire was free, although I found there is additional interesting free and paying content.
In which style do you recognise yourself?
I am a multi-modal learner, predominating the combination of Reading/Writing and Visual as my learning style. It might come from my real nature as auditor 🤔
That’s all for today.
See you next week. 👋
References
Fleming, N. D. (n.d.). The VARK Questionnaire. VARK. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://vark-learn.com/
Disclaimer: The information provided in this newsletter and related resources is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It reflects both researched facts and my personal views. It does not constitute professional advice. Any actions taken based on the content of this newsletter are at the reader's discretion.