VARK Learning Styles - Essay Example

Self managed and lifelong learning Self managed learning refers to each and every individual coping and controlling own learning. It involves individuals deciding on their own method or technique of learning. It is a method of learning through which individuals identify their own erudition requirements and as well devise their own techniques or preferred modes of learning. Lifelong learning on the other hand is the continuous, deliberate, as well as individually stimulated search for information and facts for individual reasons and for specialization in professional practice. This paper focuses on the various techniques of learning described by Fleming. VARK The VARK is a sensory representation of learning that was developed by Neil Fleming together with Charles Bonwell. It can be referred to as a model that evaluates the ideal erudition methods and techniques of an individual. It is important to posit that this model of erudition evaluation focuses on four divergent methods. According to Van-Blerkom (2011, p. 26), these methods include “Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic”. Today, an individual can evaluate his/her ideal erudition technique by the use of VARK model through the internet. Fleming and Bauma (2006) describe VARK as a group or type of predilection of the way individuals relate. He elucidates the fact that this model of learning focuses on the ways and methods through which people absorb and exert ideas and knowledge. In elucidating his model of learning, Fleming and Bauma carried out an investigation regarding the partiality and inclination of individual erudition techniques. In doing so, he came up with a few postulations. He postulated that the most favored techniques of erudition has an impact on people’s actions, learners and their instructors have the right to present their own ideal and favorite technique or method of erudition, plans of action can be established geared towards the advancement of individual erudition by means of incorporation of the individual’s predilection. He also postulated the fact that harmonizing learners’ predilection in the process of erudition can lead to motivation. In reference to the VARK scores of the group, it is clear that my ideal and favorite learning techniques include visual and kinesthetic. In the visual assessment, I scored 25% as compared to the group/class score of9%.my kinetic score was 25% as compared to the class score of 21%. The group on the other hand did well on audio and reading techniques. The group/class score in audio assessment was 46% as compared to my 31% score. In audio assessment, the groups cored 24% while I scored 19%. These score differences can be explained through Fleming’s findings. Individuals who perform well in the visual assessment are known to prefer assessments or evaluations that include diagram, grids, tables, and pamphlets. Individuals who perform well in Kinesthetic have been observed to prefer assessments that include illustrations, models, laboratory tests, academic expeditions, like to experiment on new things, prefer incorporation of their own logic and intelligence in learning. This explains why I did well in visual and kinesthetic. Results from Fleming’s study showed that individuals who perform when presented with debates, arguments, tutorials, harangues, and dialogues (Fleming and Bauma, 2006). These are characteristic of group techniques of erudition. Those individuals who perform well in reading and writing assessments fancy using references in-print, thesis, and instruction booklets, and prefer doing research through the internet. These techniques are easily and effectively accomplished as a group and that’s why the group performed well. Advantages and disadvantages of the different learning styles The main advantage of visual erudition is the fact that an individual is able to follow and grasp issues promptly. The disadvantage of this technique of learning is that some features and aspects of a certain topic may be overlooked. Based on the fact that kinesthetic students are considered mobile, they are able to grasp issues faster as it is a participative method of learning. Its disadvantage is that they are more likely to overlook information and facts exerted orally. Individuals who learn through the aural technique find it difficult to perform different tasks simultaneously and are unable to conduct their activities in teams. The main advantage is they are considered as excellent listeners hence comprehend issues better. The main advantage of reading and writing is the fact that an individual is able to expand individual skills in communication and record processes. Its main advantage is that there is a lot of time wastage as compared to the other techniques of learning (Peter et-al, 2011). Steps in formulating individual plan for self managed learning There are certain steps I can use in formulating my own self managed learning. Self managed learning plan can be defined as an individualized guide aimed at directing an individual through the course of learning. The first step is to document my objectives or goals that I aspire to accomplish. This should be followed by evaluating or assessing the activities to pursue in learning as well as devising plans of action to conduct them. It is also important to consider the appropriate time to conduct these activities. After the activities are conducted, it would be important to finally investigate what succeeded and what didn’t. Subsequently, the last step would be to establish techniques for improvement in order to avoid mistakes. Lifelong learning and professional practice In planning for lifelong learning, it would involve a six step plan. The first step is reflecting on individual certified and specialized practice. As a professional in teaching practice, it is important to expand or widen individual skills and abilities in teaching through relating them with individual principles, tasks, as well as in learning application. The second step is to conduct an evaluation aimed at making out requirements for development. This is done through recognizing and classifying precedence issues through the incorporation of various assessments including comments and responses from students. The third step is to develop an individualized progression and advancement strategies. This is done through recognizing and implementing actions of performance of significance in individual progression in his/her professional career, followed by validation of each and every planned action. The fourth step is to ensure that you keep a record of accomplished actions. The fifth step is to put down or record all activities that have had an impact on the professional practice. The sixth step involves reflection of the consequences of the undertaken professional practices (Peter et-al, 2011). In conclusion, VARK is a model of learning focuses on the ways and methods through which people absorb and apply their own ideas and knowledge in learning. VARK is an acronym for Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic. Each of these techniques in learning has its own characteristics as learners prefer divergent learning techniques. A learner may be good in some subjects and perform poorly on other subjects based on the learning techniques adopted by the teacher. It is therefore of great importance for both learners and teachers to identify the method or technique they prefer as it helps in boosting motivation in learning. References Fleming, N., & Bauma, D. (2006). Learning styles again: VARKing up the right tree. Educational development. Retrieved from http://www.johnsilverio.com/EDUI6702/Fleming_VARK_learningstyles.pdf Peter, S., J. Pickering, L. Senior, and Kath, H. (2011). Continuing Professional Development in the Lifelong Learning Sector. Berkshire: Open University Press. Van-Blerkom, D. L. (2011). Orientation to College Learning, 7th ed. Mason: Cengage Learning. Read More