Learning Style Inventory, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Before preparing for a class, one should know what learning means, as well as how different individuals learn. In order to respond to such questions, one should realize that the learning abilities of different students vary significantly. Learning style refers to how one prefers to learn. New information is usually encountered in the process of learning and it requires an analysis resulting into adoption or rejection. Everybody has a consistent and distinct way of perceiving, organizing, and retaining information (Susan, 2008, p.130). It is worth noting that, the learning styles are conventional modes used to process information by individuals. This reflects an individual’s predisposition to implement a particular learning strategy despite the specific demands of the class.

VARK inventory learning style

The preparation of this report strives to show that individuals have an array of different approaches to learning. It is important to note that, the manner in which students digest information determines the efficiency of their learning. Other aspects such as communication also determine the student’s performance in examinations. In this case, a guide to learning style known as VARK will be used to identify individual learning style. This enables teachers understand the different learning strategies that can be applicable in studies (Pask, 2006, p.137). VARK is a questionnaire form that guides the users on the learning preferences of various learners with respect to their abilities. These preferences reflect the manner that is effective for them to share the information.

VARK personal profile

The results showed that I have a relatively strong read/write and kinesthetic preference with VARK scores of Visual: 3, Aural: 2, Read/Write: 6, Kinesthetic: 5. From the results, it is evident that I am able to learn better through reading, writing, and kinesthetic. The results show that I have a multimodal (RK) learning preference.

The multimodal style of learning shows that I have a mixed combination of potentialities of the learning styles. Therefore, I am able to be more flexible regarding how I take in, and disseminate information. The 2 in Aural means that I do not have enough potential in that area as a learning style. The 3 in visual, is also relatively weaker and shows lack of potential in that area as a learning style. However, I have a balanced learning style since 60% of the population has that particular style (Saarikoski & Leino-Kilpi, 2002, p.266).

The main advantage of being multimodal, is that I am able to adapt to different teaching styles. This shows that I am holistic in my learning approach, rather than reductionist. Therefore, I am able to adapt to different learning environments and circumstances. I would prefer reading to in order to advance my knowledge. In addition to reading, I would prefer learning by practice or real life situation.

With reference to my scores, read/write category is the highest, which means that I need to read and write widely to understand. It is imperative that to me, the ideas are only helpful when they are text based, real, and relevant to what I learn. My scores show that I am highly addicted to the internet, diaries, words, dictionaries, and quotations among others.

My scores also show that kinesthetic category is relatively stronger. This means that in addition to reading, I need to practice, or do things in order to understand them better. In addition, ideas are only valuable to me when they sound real, practical, and relevant.

How personal styles influence the development of an educational program

Personal styles of learning play an important role in the development of an educational program. Therefore, the developers of educational programs need to consider the preferences of each student in their quest to device the appropriate teaching technique. Personal styles greatly influence how individuals take in and give out information. It is important to note the awareness of individual personals styles influence the methods used by teachers or instructors. This is helpful when dealing with students. The developers of educational programs should take into account the appropriate learning styles. It is necessary that these styles march the requirements of every student. This will ensure that that there is a constructive learning.

People with multimodal learning preference have a capacity to switch from mode to mode with regard to what they are dealing with (Saarikoski & Leino-Kilpi, 2002, p.263). In the development of nursing education program, the instructors will have to the use of different modes in order to ensure effective learning. For my case, the education program should have the two preferences, which are read/write, and kinesthetic. This is because I will apply them accordingly with respect to the underlying context.

Reflection/ Conclusion

After careful analysis of this survey, I was able to discover that I am multimodal learner. This implies that I am flexible in my communication. I realized that I am able to learn through reading and writing, as well as through practical application of ideas. I also discovered that I do not have enough potential to learn through visual and aural categories. I would recommend to myself to put more effort in these two categories in order to enhance my learning and understanding ability. Conversely, I realized that, I have great potential to learn through reading and kinesthetic. However, this will depend on the program I will pursue in order to get excellent results.

As a concluding remark, VARK can be a useful tool in understanding how to learn effectively and relate with others. It is worth- noting that, a considerable understanding of us can be beneficial. My quest to discover my learning style enabled me discovers my areas of weaknesses. It is imperative that, such areas require improvement, especially in the aural and visual categories.

The key strength of VARK questionnaire is that, it provides strategies that can bring success in any learning environment. This tool treats people differently since it is not dump, and it goes further to suggest that not all strategies may be helpful. The answer is to apply the most preferable modes and avoid those that we do not prefer.

References

Pask, G. (2006). Styles and strategies of learning British. Journal of Educational Psychology; 46:128-148

Saarikoski, M.& Leino-Kilpi, H. (2002).The clinical learning environment and supervision by staff nurses: developing the instrument. International Journal of Nursing Studies; 39: 3, 259-267.

Susan, B. B. (2008). Nurse as educator: principles of teaching and learning for nursing practice. Boston: Jones & Bartlett Learning.