Summary of VARK
VARK (visual, aural, reading/writing and kinesthetic) is one of the tools that can be used to determine the preferred mode of learning and in formulating the most effective learning strategy for students (Aina-Popoola & Hendricks, 2014). The tool divides students into four categories based on their preferred learning style. The Visual learners prefer presentation of information in maps, labeled diagrams, hierarchies and other visual tools that provide clarifications. Aural learners prefer learning through listening and verbal instructions. The aural learners can be comfortable with lectures and instructions directed through radio, web-chat and mobile phones. The Read/Write refers to a category of learners who prefer information displayed as words.
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"VARK in Nursing".
The read group can perform well by taking notes during lectures and reading written and printed text. Kinesthetic refers to a category of learners who learn best through practical and personal experiences. Kinesthetic is popular for people who prefer being connected to the reality and the learning mode includes demonstrations, simulations, case studies and practice applications (Peyman et al., 2014). The VARK model is based on three major principles. One, everyone can learn academic issues if they are presented in their best way of learning. Two, the learner’s motivation is affected by the type of teaching style in use. Three, educational learning involves utilization of senses and different types of perceptions (Peyman et al., 2014). It is therefore necessary to consider the learning preferences among students and the suitability of different subjects for a certain technique of teaching.
Preferred Learning Style
My preferred style of learning is multi-modal learning style. The preferred learning strategies in nursing, based on the VARK model, are single modal (one style), bi-modal (two styles), tri-modal (three styles) and quad-modal (all the four styles). Research shows that majority of learners prefer multiple learning styles than a single learning style (Peyman et al., 2014). The most preferred learning strategy for nursing is use of multi-modal learning style because of the unique requirements for healthcare professionals. According to Sciarra, the learning strategy in nursing should promote concept mapping to help the students develop their conceptual and critical thinking skills (2016).
Critical thinking is necessary among healthcare professionals in guiding decision making in critical situations where theoretical knowledge may not apply. However, nurses are also required to have vast knowledge in a variety of topics for effective practice. Concept mapping facilitates effective synthesis of complex topics and abstract thinking. The multi-modal learning strategy involves the four elements of VARK and plays a key role in the development of concept mapping skills. Concept mapping is meant to improve the quality of care and help nurses with skills to practice in a wide range of settings (Sciarra, 2016).
Comparison Between Learning Strategies and Preferred Learning Style
Visual and kinesthetic learning styles are the most preferred among nursing professionals because of their role in informing nurses about what is expected in their profession (Frankel, 2009). Visual and kinesthetic styles are important for the development of practical skills as they provide students with a chance to apply knowledge. Nursing practice requires active acquisition and application of knowledge and thus the learning style should be active. Studies have shown that active learning is more effective for nursing students than passive learning (Frankel, 2009). Active learners are able to retain a higher percentage of information on complex issues that require critical thinking than passive learners.
Aural and reading/writing are important because a nurse is required to have the necessary theoretical knowledge before practice. Verbal instructions and written texts are the common styles of learning that is used in classroom. According to Frankel, the education in clinical settings is meant to train and develop logistical reasoning and thinking (2009). Nurses are expected to continue learning by integrating theory with practice and understand the critical issues affecting their nursing practice. Aural and reading/writing are important for nurses to continue accumulating knowledge from a variety of topics. This may include personal awareness about public health issues in the society, changes in regulation and new research findings on nursing practice. Learners should be aware of their preferred learning style.
Influence of Awareness of the Individual Learning Style, Preferences and Strategies to Teaching
Awareness of personal learning preferences is important for formulating learning approaches and variations that are suitable for educational progression of an individual (Aina-Popoola & Hendricks, 2014). The principles of VARK shows that everyone is capable of attaining educational goals if they are taught, based on their most preferred style of learning. Self-awareness of distinctions and own learning style is the basic step in choosing the most appropriate study techniques. Studies among nursing students and practitioners shows that individuals have different preferences of learning styles, with some identifying a preference of only one study technique (Peyman et al., 2014). However, there is also the need to combine an individual’s learning needs and organization’s practice requirements. Nursing practice requires a wide range of skills that should be applied in decision making. Multi-modal learning strategy is, therefore, the most suitable learning strategy because of its ability to facilitate concept mapping in dealing with complex topics, such as nursing.
Conclusion
Thus, effective training programs should consider the learning styles and preferences of students and the practice requirements in a given field. The VARK model provides an effective way to determine unique learning preferences among students and how the styles can be applied in ensuring educational progression. Nursing is a complex subject that requires a continuous learning that starts from the classroom to the clinical environment. The multi-modal learning strategy is the most effective for nursing because it enables students to gain knowledge in a variety of topics and then make practical applications in decision making. Students should have self-awareness about their preferred style of learning and training techniques should be dynamic in order to accommodate complex learning preferences among individuals.
- Aina-Popoola, S. & Hendricks, C. (2014). Learning styles of first-semester baccalaureate nursing students: a literature review. Institute for Learning Styles Journal, 1, 1-10.
- Frankel, A. (2009). Nurses’ learning styles: promoting better integration of theory into practice. Nursing Times, 105(2), 24-27.
- Peyman, H., Sadeghifar, J., Khajavikhan, J., Yasemi, M., Rasool, M., Yaghoubi, Y., Nahal, M. & Karim, H. (2014). Using VARK approach for assessing preferred learning styles of first year medical sciences students: a survey from Iran. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 8(8). Doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/8089.4667
- Sciarra, E. (2016). The relationship between learning styles and affinity for concept mapping among graduate nursing students. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 6(5), 28-31.
