VAK-assess your own or another person's learning styleModel- strongly link
with Emotional intelligence
Different approaches and theoretical models have been developed for Emotional Intelligence. Emotional
Intelligence links strongly with concepts of VAK which illustrates and measures the range of capabilities
people possess, and the fact that everybody has a value.
Background:
The explanation and understanding of Gardner's classical intelligence and learning styles model, known
as the Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic learning styles model or 'inventory', usually abbreviated to VAK.
The VAK concept, theories and methods (initially also referred to as VAKT, for Visual-Auditory-
Kinesthetic-Tactile) were first developed by psychologists and teaching specialists such as Fernald, Keller,
Orton, Gillingham, Stillman and Montessori, beginning in the 1920's. The VAK theory is a favorite of the
accelerated learning community, and continues to feature - although not nearly as strongly as it should
do - in the teaching and education of young people. The Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic learning styles model
does not overlay Gardner's multiple intelligences; rather the VAK model provides a different perspective
for understanding and explaining a person's preferred or dominant thinking and learning style, and
strengths. Gardner's theory is one way of looking at thinking styles; VAK is another.
Everyone has preferences for how information is perceived organised and processed. Ask
yourself these simple questions:
Do you remember faces rather than names?
Can you focus if a speaker is talking but not using any visuals?
Do you find you need to take notes or do something with your hands when you concentrate?
Essentially visual learners learn through what they see, auditory from what they hear and kinaesthetic
from activity or doing something. While some people can make use of more than one learning style most
people have a preference for one style.
VAK visual-auditory-kinesthetic learning styles indicators and test
Here is a VAK learning style indicator, which can be used as a questionnaire or 'test' to assess your own
preferred learning style or styles, or the VAK learning styles of your people. Score each statement and
then add the totals for each column to indicate learning style dominance and mix. Your learning style is
also a reflection of the type of person you are - how you perceive things and the way that you relate to
the world. This questionnaire helps you to improve your understanding of yourself and your strengths.
There are no right and wrong answers. The point is that there are types of learning that are right for
your own preferred learning style.
Visual Auditory kinesthetic/physical/tactile
operate new
read instructions listen to explanation have a go
equipment
ask for spoken follow your nose and maybe use a
travel directions look at a map
directions compass
call a friend for follow your instinct, tasting as you
cook a new dish follow a recipe
explanation cook
teach someone
write instructions explain verbally demonstrate and let them have a go
something
I see what you I hear what you are
you'd say.. I know how you feel
mean saying
you'd say.. show me tell me let me try
you'd say.. watch how I do it listen to me explain you have a go
faulty goods write a letter Phone send or take it back to the store
museums and music and
Leisure playing sport or DIY
galleries conversation
buying gifts Books Music tools and gadgets
look and discuss with shop
Shopping try on and test
imagine staff
read the listen to
choose a holiday imagine the experience
brochures recommendations
choose a new car read the reviews discuss with friends test-drive what you fancy
You can use this grid as a simple learning style indicator questionnaire - for example score each box out
of five or ten and then put the total for each column in the boxes below. The totals will indicate your
relative learning style preference and mix.
totals indicate preferred learning style(s)
VAK Learning Styles Explanation
The VAK learning styles model suggests that most people can be divided into one of three preferred
styles of learning. These three styles are as follows:
Visual learners
Like to see or observe things, including pictures, diagrams, demonstrations, handouts, videos, graphs,
the written word, etc. They tend to say "show me" and "I see what you mean." They learn best by
seeing, reading, writing, drawing; they like written instructions. Typically they will be unhappy with a
presentation where they can't take detailed notes. Some visual learners will take notes even when they
have printed materials on the desk in front of them.Visual learners make up around 65% of the
population.
Auditory learners
Take in information through listening to the spoken word, to self or others, to sounds and music and
noises. They tend to say "tell me" and "I hear what you are saying." They learn best by saying things
aloud or repeating words and key points in their heads. They like lectures, debates, discussions.
audiotapes, and verbal instructions. They will tend to listen to a lecture, and then take notes afterwards,
or rely on printed notes. Often information written down will have little meaning to them until they have
heard it. They learn by talking and listening and information does not seem real to them until they have
had a chance to discuss it. Auditory learners make up about 30% of the population.
Kinesthetic learners
Like physical experiences - touching, feeling, holding, doing, and MOVING - practical hands-on
experiences and physical activities. They tend to say "let me try " and "I know how you feel." They learn
best by moving (either small-motor movement such as taking notes or large-motor movement such as
walking around the room while thinking), and by touching, doing, practicing, or even imagining an
activity being done. The kinesthetic learner has to feel or live the experience in order to learn it. They like
hands-on labs, field trips, projects, trial-and-error, and real-life examples. They will learn skills by
imitation and practice. It's important to note that learners who are predominantly kinesthetic can appear
"slow," because classroom information is normally not presented in a style that suits their learning
methods. Kinesthetic learners make up around 5% of the population.
People commonly have a main preferred learning style, but this will be part of a blend of all three. Some
people have a very strong preference; other people have a more even mixture of two or less commonly,
three styles.
How to use learning styles in business?
Learning styles can help us ensure that we offer something for everyone. We need to recognize that each
of us has different learning preferences, and no matter which model we use, we need to ensure that we
combine a mix of methods and preferences.To help learning be more effective in your organisation chose
a model... any model. Then check that all of your learning interventions have something for all - be it the
VAK - Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or the Activist, pragmatist, theorist or reflector preference.
