Free Learning Style: Work Analysis Essay Sample

Part One

Learning is a continuous process as people are always learning new things in their lives. Learning, according to Mayer (2001), is a process that helps in acquiring new or shaping existing skills, knowledge, behaviors, preferences and values. In essence, it involves synthesizing a host of information. People learn differently. In addition, no one has a single learning style; people tend to learn through different learning styles although one of them could stand out as a preferred method (Mayer, 2001). The most dominant learning styles are visual, aural, read or write and kinesthetic.
In the visual style, the learner uses different formats, maps and plans, diagrams, charts, graphs and space (VARK, 2014). In this learning style, there is the use of symbolism or different fonts, formats and colors to stress significant points (VARK, 2014). However, this does not involve pictures and videos that show real images. On the other hand, in the aural style, the learner listens, discusses, talks, questions or recalls. Preference is given to information that is heard or spoken (VARK, 2014). Questioning is an integral component of this learning style. Read or write learning style entails the use of lists, texts and notes in all formats; this could be in print form or online. In this case, printed words are the chief avenue for conveying and receiving information (VARK, 2014). Moreover, kinesthetic learning style entails the use of practical exercises; trial and error, senses, cases, and examples. In essence, the learner’s experience is the central means of learning (VARK, 2014). Things that are real when presented in the picture or video formats or on screens help learners using this learning style.
In an endeavor to shade more light on the multimodal learning styles, an online portal that assesses and ranks people’s learning styles has been launched. VARK (Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic) helps learners understand their learning styles, as well as identify their preferred learning style. This tool has different tests. They help in the identification of the student’s preferred learning styles. Each of the four learning styles is tested. This tool takes into consideration all the four learning styles, and the portal computes and records the results of the test. VARK notifies the learner what they know or do not know about themselves. It is argued that this tool can help people understand others such as their bosses, colleagues, partners, customers, and workmates among others. In addition, it helps the learner understand the learning style that suits them; this can help the learner make adjustments to their learning environment. According to this software, my preferred learning style is Read/Write followed by Kinesthetic. Visual and Aural styles are also used often.

Part Two

VARK outlines that the Read/Write learning style entails the use of lists, texts and notes in all formats; this could be in print form or online. In this case, VARK has noted that printed words are the chief avenue for conveying and receiving information. Following the test results, it is evident that Read/Write tops my learning style charts, and VARK has not lied. The use of printed words or texts are preferred to other learning styles because one can carry them anywhere or can access them from any location. In other words, they are portable and easily accessible. In addition, they can be duplicated in many copies and stored for an extended period (Fleming, 2014). The learner can access the texts from time to time making reference to them unlike in other learning styles.
In addition, the learner tends to master the information that is conveyed in the texts when they re-write and read (Follmer, 2010). In essence, this strategy helps in storing the information in the brain. The learner can carry with them the written or printed materials. In addition, the learner can easily comprehend what they wrote or read (Fleming, 2014). The learning strategies that have been documented by VARK are similar to mine. In essence, taking notes and reading learning materials either in print or online form is the chief strategy that is used. In class, it is easier to understand what the tutor is conveying by reading and writing. When those notes are revised while at home, the information is stored for a longer period than when other learning styles are used.
Following the test results posted by the VARK software, several changes will need to be implemented to boost the learning process. In addition to concentrating on the Read/Write learning process, kinesthetic method will also be championed to make the learning process even better. Kinesthetic learning style entails the use of practical exercises; trial and error, senses, cases and examples. In essence, the learner’s experience is the central means of learning. Things that are real when presented in the picture or video formats or on screens help learners using this learning style. When the two methods are combined, the learning process will improve. This test has shade light on the methods that work best for me, and in this case, it has acted as an eye-opener to my learning process. According to Fleming (2014), learning is best attained if the learner has identified the learning style or styles that work for them. In other words, VARK test shows that a multidimensional approach is the best. VARK test that was undertaken has identified my preferred learning style.

References

Fleming, N. (2014). Learning Styles. Retrieved from ace.fsu.edu/content//file/Study_Strategies_by_Learning_Styles.pdf
Follmer, D. C. (2010). Teaching and Learning Styles. Retrieved from http://lyceumbooks.com/pdf/howtoteacheffectively_typesoflearners.pdf
Mayer, R.E. (2001). Multimedia learning. New York: Cambridge University Press.
VARK (2014). Introduction to VARK. Do you know how you learn? Retrieved from http://vark-learn.com/introduction-to-vark/