VARK Learning Styles

By Matt Baker   Updated 15 Dec 2011

The theory of learning styles is based on the idea that different people learn in different ways. According to Neil Fleming, there are four main learning styles (these can be remembered using the acronym VARK). In order to best serve the needs of all students, teachers should use methods that appeal to all the various learning styles, not just one or two.

Visual		Visuals learners learn best by seeing. They therefore benefit when teachers write key points on the board instead of just saying everything out loud. They especially benefit from study charts and diagrams. Teachers can help visual learners by using PowerPoint presentations or, for younger students, by making sure the classroom environment has plenty of visuals such as posters or wall charts.
Auditory		Auditory learners learn best by hearing. While they do well with lectures, they might be at a disadvantage when it comes to assignments because of the degree of reading involved or because instructions are usually given on paper only. Teachers can help auditory learners in this respect by allowing them to discuss what they read in groups and by verbalizing key instructions.
Read-write		Read-write learners are at an advantage since this is by far the dominant style used in most classrooms, particularly in higher grades. While listening to lectures or receiving instructions, read-write learners should always make sure they take down notes.
Kinesthetic		Kinesthetic learners learn best by doing and by using their sense of touch. Especially in younger grades, teachers should make sure that they incorporate several hands-on activities every day in which students have to get up, move around, and touch things in order to learn.

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