Carolyn Williams
June 12, 2000
Assignment 3
My VARK Experience
The VARK is a learning preference inventory whose information can be helpful to anyone that may have problems learning. VARK stands for Visual, Aural, Reading/Writing and Kinesthetic methods of learning. Neil Fleming created VARK in 1987. It was designed to help students, who display learning difficulties, identify how they utilize the four sensory modes to learn. It also helps teachers improve their teaching methods by using various techniques to reach all of their students. We draw on all the modalities, but the VARK identifies the preferences of each individual. It will also give helpful information on how to study and take notes to make the data gathering process more palatable when reviewed.
VARK helped me understand why I did not always interpret what an instructor was saying the same way other students did. Before ever taking the learning preference inventory test, I had problems understanding what my instructors wanted from me. After the instructions had been given for an assignment, I would have to repeat them in my own words to the originator just to assure myself that I understood the project. I would also take lots of notes and write all of the samples that were given during class to help me complete my assignments. At one time I really thought this was crazy because it didn't seem that students around me were taking as many notes as I was. After taking an inventory prior to this one, I better understood that by being the Kinesthetic-type of learner, I do my best learning by experiencing or doing, and that it was okay to be this way.
It's great when something so simple as the VARK inventory can open your eyes to a better way to learn and retain information. Some of the information, I knew from trial and error, having found what worked for me. However, I did learn how I could strengthen some of the weak areas of learning by getting with another person that is my type and reviewing notes and information. I also found out that role-play worked for me. The VARK suggests that by teaching someone the information before a test or exam brings about better understanding for someone that is Kinesthetic.
I am glad I took the test. It has definitely helped me, and I would recommend it to anyone.
Works Cited
Bonwell, Charles. "VARK." The Active Learning Site. 9 June 2000.
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