Vark Analysis
After completing the Vark questionnaire, this author showed a strong preference for learning by reading and writing. In the reading and writing learning preference, this preference is for information displayed as words (Fleming, 2001). Many students and teachers show a high preference toward this type of style. The ability to write, and read well are attributes widely sought by employers of recent graduates.
In this learning style, emphasis is on text based input and output, using all forms of material especially manuals, reports, essays and textbooks (Fleming, 2001). People who prefer this model spend hours on the internet, gravitating toward power point presentations over audio presentation. In defining the reading and writing learning strategy, the author identified that the reading and writing learning model uses intake of material in a text-based format. It uses lists, headings, dictionaries, handouts and textbooks as the prime source of intake material.
Notes taken during lecture and manuals are also used as a source. When preparing to study, rewriting notes taken during lecture, and reading notes over and over, either out loud or silently, are some strategies used in this type of learning style. When preparing for test assignments or exams, taking practice exams with multiple choice questions is often helpful for students with the preference for the reading and writing learning style. In comparing, this authors’ preferred learning strategy to the identified strategies already in place, the model is actuate with only a few slight differences noted.
This author finds it extremely helpful to use handouts, textbooks, and lecture notes as reference material when studying. Rewriting lecture notes, after class, has also been very beneficial for this author, as well as taking practice exams with multiple choice questions, which has been an effective aide in preparing for taking major examinations. Reading rewritten lecture notes out loud and over and over several times is a common study habit for this author.
In contrast, however; the model suggests that students that lean toward this preference spend hours on the internet searching material and using power point presentations as a way to enhance their study habits. This author finds using the internet to be distracting, and cumbersome wasting time with material that is not beneficial. In addition, she finds the format of power point presentations hard to follow. The model suggests turning diagrams and charts into words as a helpful tool; not being accustom to using diagrams or charts this idea has not been tested by this author.
The Vark questionnaire has raised some valuable points in the need for this author to make a change in the present study habits being used. Incorporating the differences into strategies already in place, with those listed on the Vark analysis, should enhance the study habits, allowing for better results. The use of the internet as a resource as an enhancement to the study material can be beneficial, although the need to learn to use the internet in a more efficient way will help take some of the frustration out of searching endlessly for the material needed.
The incorporation of the library as a resource is another area that this author will need to further investigate. Improving the way, in which the library is accessed, can be beneficial in enhancing the desired outcome for this student. In the final analysis of the Vark learning assessment tool: it is valuable, as it alert the student to the preferences they have toward learning. The assessment tool focuses on the best way to learn using a sensory model. The Vark model of learning styles is one of the most popular models in us today by students and educators.
Developed by Neil Fleming in 1987, learners are identified by whether they have a preference for visual, auditory, reading and writing, or kinesthetic learning (Cherry, 2012). The Vark questionnaire provides strategies that can lead to success in any learning environment (Fleming, 2011). The Vark model is not an exact science, but a guideline to help the student recognize their learning preferences, in an attempt to enhance study habits. By completing the Vark model assessment, the student is enabled to become more successful at tudying and to retain the information being taught. In conclusion, this author feels that the Vark questionnaire is a valuable tool in enhancing the success of students. By learning to recognize their study habits and incorporating those findings identified from the model, the student will become more proficient by limiting the time it takes preparing for an assignment. To be successful in the ever-competitive job market, students must learn to take advantage of all resources available. The Vark assessment is one such tool that can enhance the students’ abilities to succeed.
References:
- http://www. vark-learning. com/english/page. asp http://psychology,about. com http://www. ehow. com Fleming, Neil copyright 2001-2011,
- Vark: A Guide to Learning Styles.
- Cherry, Kendra, About. com Guide2012, VARK Learning Styles: Visual, Aural, Reading, and Kinesthetic Learning.
