What are learning styles and does it really help you in your academics?
Learning style is a concept meant to identify how people learn best. One of the most famous learning style model is the model given by Neil Fleming known as the VARK model. This model labels a person as visual learners, auditory learners, reading and writing learners, and kinesthetics learners based on their preferred form of learning. Let's take a brief look over each of these forms of learners.
1. Visual Learners- A visual learner is someone who prefers
to learn from images rather than text or
audio. For them graphics, motions and
sketches are better to understand and
easy to remember. 2. Auditory Learners- Auditory Learners take support from the sense of hearing in order to best process the information and understand it.
3. Reading\Writing Learners- This group of learners learns by reading a piece of text again and again and then writing it to grasp the better understanding of it.
4. Kinesthetic Learners- Kinesthetic learners learn best through movement, experiments, or hands-on activities. They require us to be physically engaged in order to learn things the best way and get a good understanding of it
Do these learning styles really help?
Recent studies and researches has criticised the VARK model backed by statements from renowned scientists such as -
Daniel Willingham (Cognitive Scientist) - “People are not really visual or auditory learners. They can learn using both. What matters is the content, not the method of delivery.”
Some have also said that these learning styles and giving a certain label to a learner are misleading for both students and educators. They limit the flexibility of learning by making the path to learn limited or constrained. It gives a misconception to a student that they can’t learn out of their preferred learning.
The idea of learning styles, particularly when students are labelled as “visual learners” or “auditory learners,” can promote a fixed mindset as it limits the learning approaches.
To prevent this, one must use the alternative learning style. Let's discuss some below
Alternatives to VARK Model
2. Spaced repetition: Regularly reviewing material at set intervals rather than cramming helps cement knowledge and reduces the need for re-learning.
3. Dual Coding: Combining visual aids (diagrams, charts) with verbal information helps improve comprehension and memory by engaging multiple brain areas simultaneously.
4. Meta-Cognitive strategies: Encouraging self-reflection and monitoring helps students recognize areas of strength and needed improvement, making learning more targeted and efficient.
How will Nexus Knowledge tackle this?
Our approach encourages a growth mindset, teaching students resilience and adaptability, while adaptive learning paths allow us to target each student's specific needs. This comprehensive strategy fosters a more inclusive, flexible, and effective learning environment that empowers every student to reach their full potential.
Experience a whole new way of learning. Register on our website now to learn by practical techniques designed to boost your potential and help you thrive. Don’t miss out— Register now.