Understand VARK Model of Learning Styles

All students in universities learn differently. Others learn better through diagrams, and others through listening, reading notes or practical work. When your learning style does not align with your learning style, your grades, concentration and confidence may be affected.  

The VARK Model of Learning simply explains these differences. It identifies four primary styles: visual, aural, read/write, and kinaesthetic. The model was developed by Neil Fleming in the early 1990s to assist learners in studying better. Our Assignment Helper UK at Locus Assignments applies VARK-conscious techniques to make academic subjects easier, enabling UK students to study smarter and approach assignments with confidence.  

What Is the VARK Model?  

The VARK model, in simple terms, demonstrates that individuals possess varying learning preferences, i.e., how they prefer to receive and process information. The model does not prioritise styles or equate them with intelligence; it just finds the format that is most comfortable to you. Being aware of this will assist you in selecting the appropriate techniques when revising, reading, or doing assignments.  

The VARK model consists of four learning styles:  

Visual (V) – likes diagrams, charts, maps, and symbols more than plain text blocks.  

Aural or Auditory (A) - prefers to listen and discuss ideas, e.g., in lectures or discussions.  

Read/Write (R) - likes words, notes, lists, handouts, and written explanations.  

Kinaesthetic (K) - learns best by real-life examples, practice and hands-on activities.  

The majority of students are not all of one type. Most of them are multimodal, employing two, three, or all four styles based on the task or subject. A VARK questionnaire will request you to answer how you like to learn and then classify your responses into the four styles to show your pattern. If coursework feels overwhelming, you can sign up with Locus Assignments for structured online coursework help designed around your learning style.

The Four VARK Learning Styles 

It is important to keep in mind that none of the styles is better than the other before delving into each of them. They are all just variations on how to interact with information, which is important in a UK university environment where lectures, seminars, and independent study are all involved.  

3.1 Visual Learners (V)  

Visual learners learn best when they can see. They understand things better using diagrams, charts, graphs, maps, and flowcharts. Plain text in large blocks may be overwhelming without visual organisation.  

Mind maps, colour-coded notes, timelines, and infographics are often beneficial to them. Converting written information into symbols or images will assist them in remembering important points. The VARK Model of Learning thus promotes the adjustment of study methods to visual preferences.  

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3.2 Aural/Auditory Learners (A)  

Aural learners receive information best when it is spoken or discussed. They are well-suited to lectures, podcasts, debates, and group discussions. They tend to recall tone, explanation and conversation more than written notes.  

Good study strategies are to record lectures, discuss with friends, or read aloud. When one explains a concept to another, he or she makes sure that the other person understands him or her. Being aware of the VARK model will enable aural learners to cease pushing themselves to use textbooks as the sole means of learning.   

3.3 Read/Write Learners (R)  

Read/write learners like information in the form of words. They feel at home with essays, textbooks, handouts, manuals, and written instructions – typical of university students in essay-based courses.  

Such learners enjoy the advantages of rewriting notes, making elaborate lists, using headings and subheadings, and rehearsing past paper answers. The VARK Model of Learning indicates that read/write learners can perform well when the content is logically organised and well referenced.  

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3.4 Kinesthetic Learners (K)  

Kinaesthetic learners learn best by experience and action. They like to learn through doing as opposed to reading or listening. They can understand concepts better through practical examples, case studies, simulations, labs, and real-life applications.  

The methods of study are role-plays, practical projects, application of theories to real-life situations, and physical movement during revision. Knowledge of the VARK model makes these students feel less out of place in lecture-intensive settings.  

Multimodal Learners and VARK in Real Life

Not all students can be easily classified in one of the VARK categories; they are multimodal, employing two, three, or all four styles. As an example, you might like to read notes (read/write), but you might remember better when you talk about the topics in seminars (aural). The study of the VARK model may show that you are not one type but a combination of several.  

There are two useful patterns to understand:

Selective multimodal learners change their learning style to suit the task. In a legal research environment, they might tend to adopt read/write methods, but in a practical laboratory, they will adopt kinaesthetic methods.

Integrative multimodal learners adopt all their favourite modes at the same time. They tend to take longer but have a better insight into the topic because they collect information more comprehensively.

A student in the UK who is about to take exams may read his notes first (read/write). Then he would be able to make a mind map (visual). Then he can talk to a friend (aural) about challenging ideas, and lastly, rehearse questions or case studies (kinaesthetic).

In group projects, students tend to blend styles. A member may create slides, another write content, another do the presentation, and another test the practical aspect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the VARK Model of Learning provides students at UK universities with an easy, practical method of comprehending their study preferences. Questions like 'What is the VARK model?' and 'Who created the VARK model?' can help you understand how you learn best.  

Being aware of your learning style allows you to choose effective revision strategies, approach assignments with confidence, and reduce academic frustration. Whether you are visual, aural, read/write, kinaesthetic, or multimodal, the key is to study in a way that suits you. To make this process even easier, Locus Assignments is here to help. Sign up today to get expert assignment help tailored to your learning style and academic needs.