VAK Learning Style Model
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 10:46 AM
The VAK learning style model uses the three main sensory receivers: 1. Visual
2. Auditory
3. Kinesthetic (movement)
Learners use all of the three main sensory receivers in learning, however usually one or two of the main sensory receivers are more dominant than the others. This dominant sensory receivers defines the dominant learning styles of the learner and it is most effective for them to learn through those senses.
For example, if a person is an auditory learner, he or she would be able to pick up information by hearing it from another medium or conversing with someone. The learner may also have difficulty in reading or writing tasks. He or she would also mouthing words as they read and be able to hear it in their heads. When reading novels, they tend to pay more attention to conversations. Private speech is often used by learners when they are thinking or writing.
If a person is a visual learner, he or she may be able to retain information by writing it or looking at it. Learners like to doodle or write and when they read novels, they tend to pay more attention to description of clothing, setting, scenery. They can also easily visualise faces by using their imagination and are less likely to get lost in new surroundings. For learners like this, it is best to provide them with visual aids such as charts, maps, pictures or notes handouts with space at the sides for writing.
If a person is a kinesthetic learner, he or she would learn best through touch or movement. They tend to lose focus when there is little external stimulation or movement. Learners are normally not good at listening to instructions and would rather just explore on their own. When reading novels, they take note of the emotions, action and drama. They do not like to stay put at the same spot.
Reference:
Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic learning styles (VAK). Retrieved on 12th May 2010, from http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles/vakt.html