Learning Styles — VARK Model
How students prefer to receive, process, and retain information — and what it means for how teachers should teach.
A. The VARK Model
What is VARK?
VARK is a model of learning preferences developed by Neil Fleming in 1987 (New Zealand). It does not describe how smart a student is — it describes how they prefer to take in and communicate information. The acronym stands for four primary learning modalities.
| Letter | Style | What It Means | Key Words |
|---|---|---|---|
| V | Visual | Learns best from diagrams, charts, maps, and spatial information | diagrams, graphs, colour, layout |
| A | Auditory | Learns best through listening — lectures, discussions, podcasts | listen, talk, explain, debate |
| R | Read/Write | Prefers information in text — reading and writing notes | lists, notes, textbooks, essays |
| K | Kinesthetic | Learns through hands-on experience, practice, real-world examples | practice, lab, fieldwork, role-play |
V — Visual
MeansDiagrams, charts, maps, spatial layout
Key Wordsgraphs, colour, diagrams
A — Auditory
MeansListening, discussion, verbal explanation
Key Wordslisten, talk, debate, podcast
R — Read/Write
MeansText-based learning, notes, essays
Key Wordslists, notes, textbooks
K — Kinesthetic
MeansHands-on practice, real-world experience
Key Wordspractice, lab, fieldwork, role-play
⚡ MCQ Tip
VARK was developed by Neil Fleming in 1987. It describes preference, not ability. Kinesthetic does NOT mean athletic — it means learning through doing, experimenting, and real-world application.
B. Teaching Strategies for Each Style
How to Teach Each Type
A teacher's job is to identify each student's preferred style and adapt instruction accordingly. This doesn't mean teaching separately — it means designing lessons that include all modalities wherever possible.
V
Visual Learner
Show it — don't just say it
- Use diagrams, concept maps, flowcharts
- Colour-code notes and materials
- Smartboards, slides, visual organizers
- Ask students to draw or sketch ideas
- Use timelines and graphic organizers
A
Auditory Learner
Let them hear and speak
- Explain concepts verbally with discussion
- Group discussions, debates, Q&A sessions
- Read aloud, recite, use mnemonics
- Audio recordings, podcasts
- Encourage students to explain back in their own words
R
Read/Write Learner
Give them text to read and write
- Assign textbook readings and written summaries
- Note-taking, making lists and outlines
- Written assignments, essays, reports
- Definitions, glossaries, annotations
- Ask students to rewrite content in their own words
K
Kinesthetic Learner
Let them do and experience
- Lab work, experiments, hands-on activities
- Field trips, real-world examples
- Role play, simulations, demonstrations
- Project-based tasks with physical output
- Manipulatives: models, specimens, tools
C. Multimodal Learners & Important Clarifications
Key Points for MCQs
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Multimodal learner | A student who uses more than one VARK style — this is the most common type of learner |
| VARK ≠ Intelligence | VARK describes preference, not ability or IQ. A Kinesthetic learner is not less intelligent |
| VARK ≠ Fixed | Learning preferences can change over time and depend on the subject or task |
| Teacher's role | Identify preferences and create inclusive lessons that address multiple styles simultaneously |
| Kinesthetic ≠ Physical activity | K means learning through experience and practice — it's not just movement, it's doing and applying |
⚡ MCQ Tip
Most learners are multimodal (they use more than one style). VARK does NOT define intelligence — only preference. Neil Fleming developed VARK in 1987. Kinesthetic = hands-on, not just physical.
Quick MCQ Revision
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer of VARK | Neil Fleming — 1987 (New Zealand) |
| V stands for | Visual — diagrams, charts, maps |
| A stands for | Auditory — listening, discussion, lectures |
| R stands for | Read/Write — text, notes, lists, essays |
| K stands for | Kinesthetic — hands-on, practice, real-world |
| Most common type of learner | Multimodal (uses more than one style) |
| What VARK does NOT define | Intelligence — only preference |
| Teacher's role with VARK | Identify each student's style and adapt instruction |