Everyone has a different learning style. For some people, they might like to look at pictures and diagrams and for others, they may enjoy writing everything down to learn and memorize it. But for some people, knowing which learning style is best for them is confusing. 

The most common way to classify different learning styles is the VARK system. The acronym for VARK stands for Visual, Aural, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic Sensory. The system was first created in 1987 by Neil Flemmings. He suggested that there were four main types of learning and teaching that reflect on students and teachers. People may only fit into one category, or they may overlap, either way, people will fit into one or two of the sections of the VARK system. 

Visual (V) learners prefer depicting maps, diagrams, charts, graphs, and symbols.  Some people may also refer to this section as the graphic section. However, this category does not include learning from drawings, photographs, movies, or slideshows. It does include designs, whitespace, patterns, shapes and the different formats that are used to highlight and convey information. 

The aural/auditory (A) category is the preference for information that is heard or spoken. Students within this mode tend to learn better when listening to lectures, group discussions, radio, speaking, or web-chats. Often, people with this preference want to sort things out by speaking first, rather than sorting out their ideas and then speaking. They may say again what has already been said or ask an obvious and previously answered question. Sometimes, they feel the need to repeat what they’ve heard to learn it. Sophomore Yana Verma says, “I’m a auditory learner because when I’m hearing something and actually understanding it, it’s so much easier for me to understand as opposed to reading the content or looking at it. For me, other methods take the focus away from what I’m actually learning.” 

In the reading/writing (R) section, people tend to learn better by reading or writing. It is the most preferred way of learning for students. Being able to write well and read widely are attributes sought by employers of graduates. This preference emphasizes text-based input and output – reading and writing in all its forms, but especially manuals, reports, essays, presentations, and assignments. Additionally, some people may find writing down information is helpful to memorize what’s been taught. It’s been shown that writing can often help absorb what has been taught better. 

Last but not least, the kinesthetic (K) section refers to the people who like to learn by experience and practice. It includes demonstrations, simulations, videos and movies of “real” things, as well as case studies, practice and applications. The key is the real or concrete nature of the example. If it can be grasped, held, tasted, or felt, it will probably be included. People with this as a strong preference learn from the experience of doing something and they value their own background of experiences and less so, the experiences of others. Junior Rosemary Ting says, “I’m a kinesthetic learner because I think I learn better when I’m actually doing the problem because I can learn from my mistakes. Practice makes perfect!” 

So how do you find out which learning style is the best for you? Many websites online do have a VARK test where they ask you a variety of questions. From what you’ve answered, the quiz will determine which categories you fit in the most. If you are interested, a simple search of “VARK quiz” does the trick. Upon taking it, you might learn more about the style that suits you the best! 

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