VARK questionnaire is a method of identifying one’s inclination to a particular learning style. A respondent answers a series of questions aimed at the detection of one of the four elements of learning style, namely visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic. The results enable choosing the most effective learning strategies for a particular individual.
Explanation:
The learning process is a complex set of activities aimed at the acquisition of new knowledge, skills, and behavioral patterns. However, not all people acquire new information in the same way. People from different backgrounds, with different psychological particularities, preferences, and inclinations. When the learning process is adapted to the learner’s preferences, his or her learning outcomes will last longer. Thus, VARK strategies make the acquisition of new knowledge more efficient and personalized.
More specifically, VARK questionnaire is designed to tell you in what ways you learn best. A specifically designed learning style quiz enlists a number of questions with four variants of answers. A respondent must choose one variant that best reflects his or her behavior in a described situation. In result, the answers are interpreted according to the preferred learning style. Depending on the characteristics one has in relation to the four perception areas, a learner might choose the most relevant method of teaching and learning. The abbreviation stands for four main modalities, namely V – visual modality, A – aural modality, R – read/write modality, and K – kinesthetic modality.
The VARK questionnaire results identify which of the modalities work better for a particular learner and enables assessing a preferred learning style. Visual learner easily acquires new information from visual presentation and observation. Auditory students show better results when learning through verbal and listening activities. Those who fall under the read/write category to obtain new knowledge by reading and taking notes. Finally, kinesthetic learners use practical exercises, manipulate the objects to perceive information better.
Since different people are characterized by different features, it is only natural that their learning strategies will differ, too. Importantly, an effective learning process is multifaceted in its nature and should be composed of multiple modalities. In order to design an optimal training program, all the elements of the VARK need to be included. However, the preferred modalities should be prioritized, thus creating a unique personalized learning style.
Many people have various learning preferences; the best way to learn for them is by the utilization of multimodal strategies. When a person easily acquires knowledge using several modalities, for example, visual and kinesthetic, it is possible to emphasize them in the process of learning to achieve the best results. The goal of the questionnaire is to foster the most relevant and efficient learning through personalization. The quizzes are designed for younger people, as well as for adults, thus making this tool a universal method of defining learning preferences. It is most important for students and should be used as a tool for assessing learning preferences at the beginning of a learning process to design an appropriate training program and choose the best fitting teaching method. Therefore, VARK questionnaire is a basic way that greatly contributes to the achievement of educational goals. Since studying is a continuous process which is necessary for a successful professional performance, companies might also benefit from the VARK quiz by introducing it to the employees within training programs.