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The VAK learning styles model,
used as part of the enrolment process, suggests that most people can be
divided into one of three preferred styles of learning. These three styles
are as follows and it is important to note that there is no right or wrong
learning style:
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Someone with a
Visual learning style has a preference for seen or observed things,
including pictures, diagrams, demonstrations, displays, handouts, films,
flip-chart, etc. These people will use phrases such as ‘show me’, ‘let’s
have a look at that’ and will be best able to perform a new task after
reading the instructions or watching someone else do it first. These are
the people who will work from lists and written directions and
instructions.
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Someone with an
Auditory learning style has a preference for the transfer of
information through listening: to the spoken word, of self or others, of
sounds and noises. These people will use phrases such as ‘tell me’,
‘let’s talk it over’ and will be best able to perform a new task after
listening to instructions from an expert. These are the people who are
happy being given spoken instructions over the telephone, and can
remember all the words to songs that they hear!
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Someone with a Kinaesthetic learning style has a preference for
physical experience - touching, feeling, holding, doing, practical
hands-on experiences. These people will use phrases such as ‘let me
try’, ‘how do you feel?’ and will be best able to perform a new task by
going ahead and trying it out, learning as they go. These are the people
who like to experiment, hands-on, and never look at the instructions
first!
People commonly have a main preferred learning
style, but this will be part of a blend of all three. Some people have a
very strong preference; other people have a more even mixture of two or less
commonly, three styles.
When you know your preferred learning style(s)
you understand the type of learning that best suits you. This enables you to
choose the types of learning that work best for you. There is no right or
wrong learning style. The point is that there are types of learning that are
right for your own preferred learning style.
Please note that this is not a scientifically
validated testing instrument – it is a free assessment tool designed to give
a broad indication of preferred learning style(s). More information about
learning styles, personality, and personal development is at
www.businessballs.com.
© VAK learning styles self-test Victoria
Chislett MSc and Alan Chapman 2005; contextual material, code and design
Alan Chapman 2004-2006; Businessballs 1995-2006
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