VAK Learning style
Upon
the study conducted by Ellinton and Benders (2012) learning
styles have been explored by theorists in the past and further study has been
carried out on specific learning styles.
Learning
styles are categorized in ways people learn and how they approach information.
Further, it is defined as the preferred processes students use when they learn
(Shreenidhi and Helena, 2017). Most of the learning styles are on visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modes of
learning. (Ellinton
and Benders, 2012)
Shreenidhi
and Helena (2017) in their study reveals that, Fleming’s VARK model is one of
the most common and widely-used type of learning style. This is sometimes known as VAK - an acronym
for the Visual (V), Auditory (A), and the Kinesthetic (K) sensory. As shown in
Fig (9).
Figure 9: VAK Learning Styles Model.
Source:
(Moubayed, 2018)
This
learning model is based on the learners’ senses that are involved in taking in
information. They further state that, people adopt various preferred learning
styles which is usually a blend of all three senses. And that some individuals
have a very strong preference and some prefer an even mixture of two or three
styles. Thereby, Individuals learn by seeing (Visual), hearing (Auditory); by
doing (Tactile/Kinesthetic). There is no fixed learning style. A Style may be
combined with another and varies upon situations and nature of the activity (Shreenidhi
and Helena, 2017).
According
to Shreenidhi and Helena (2017) and Siwi and Yuhendri (2016)
Visual
Learners
- Learn by seeing things.
- Choose to see information and instructions, they usually forget information that has been heard.
- Have a tendency for writing, drawing, imagining and create their own notes and prefer to read for themselves.
- When remembering things, having the ability to visualize, they tend to see pictures and images and use mind maps.
- Use role-play and watching others perform or demonstrate a skill to learn.
- They are naturally able to visualize what they are hearing.
- They understand complex maps, graphs and charts easily.
Auditory Learners
- Learns by listening.
- Have a split attention.
- Are dependent on hearing and speaking as the style of learning.
- To understand they must be able to hear what is being said.
- Written instructions may be difficult for them to understand.
- In sorting information, they use their listening and repeating skills.
- They accurately recall what has been spoken.
Kinesthetic
Learners
- Learning by doing.
- Like to respond physically.
- Thought to be natural discovery learners.
- Tend to prefer exploring concepts through experimentation,
- Confident in participating in interactive activities.
- Enjoy making things, experimenting and learning through practical activities.
The following video will give a better understanding of the VAK learning style.
Video 4: VAK learning style
Source:
(McMillan, 2017)
Hammer
(2019), in his study, has cited that, out of the three learning styles,
kinesthetic (hands-on) learning is the most common for individuals (Dinkel,
2011). However, he claims that if hands-on learning style, is combined with
knowledge on systems, tools and equipment of aircraft maintenance training
students, students will maximize his or her knowledge and skill retention while
in training.
Further, Karp (2000) states that, if knowledge transfer is to take place in aviation academic programs all dominant learning styles (Visual, Auditory and Tactile or Kinesthetic) requires to be addressed in the academic environment.
The
school for aircraft maintenance training in the airline which I work for
provide their trainees with all three styles (Visual, Auditory and Hands on) of
learning.
Their
courses offer theoretical elements where visual and auditory styles such as multimedia,
slides, and video are given higher weight, while practical/on the job training
provides them with all three learning styles. Prioritizing on hands on experience
such as activities in different shops within and outside the organization and
training on live aircraft. As shown in fig (10). (SriLankan Aviation College,
2018).
Figure 10: Practical Training at Sheet Metal Work
Shop.
Source: (SriLankan Aviation College, 2018)
List
of References
Ellinton, S and
Benders, D.S. (2012) Learning style and its importance in education. Learning
Styles, pp 1-15 [Online]. Available at https://www.researchgate.net.>. [Accessed
on 26th August 2021].
Hammer, K. (2019)
Varying class schedules and learning effectiveness at FAR Part 147 aviation
maintenance training school (AMTS). Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Scholarly Commons [Online]. Available at < https://commons.erau.edu.>. [Accessed
on 26th August 2021].
Karp, M.R. (2000)
University aviation education: an integrated model. Collegiate Aviation Review,
18(1), pp.1-7 [Online]. Available at < https://trid.trb.org.>. [Accessed
on 26th August 2021].
McMillan, A (2017) Learning Styles- VAK [Online]. Available at: < https://www.youtube.com.>. [Accessed on 27th August 2021].
Moubayed, A, Injadat, M.A.M, Nassif, A.B. and Lutfiyya, H. (2018) E-learning: challenges and research opportunities using machine learning & data analytics. E-Learning Analytics [Online]. Available at: < https://www.researchgate.net.>. [Accessed on 26th August 2021].
Shreenidhi,S.K and Helena, T.C (2017) Styles of learning based on the research of Fernald, Keller, Orton, Gillingham, Stillman , Montessori and Neil D Fleming. International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, 3(4), pp. 17-25.
Siwi, M.K and , Yuhendri, L. V (2016) Analysis characteristics of learning styles VAK (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) student of banks and financial institutions course. International Conference on Education For Economics, Business, and Finance (ICEEBF) 2016 [Online]. Available at < http://iceebf.um.ac.id.>. [Accessed on 30th August 2021].
Srilankan Aviation College (2018) Basic Course in Aircraft Maintenance. Srilanka Aviation College [Online]. Available at <https://www.srilankanaviationcollege.com/what-we-offer/Course/EASA-Part-66-B1 [Accesssed on 31st August 2021].
While agreeing to points you emphasized on learning and development and its impact on organizations, it is equally important to include creativity and innovation in to learning programs and HR department should provide the guidence (Kumar, 2014)
ReplyDeleteAccording to Kapur (2020), the key areas in terms of which learning and development takes place within organizations are, communications, technical skills, customer service, diversity, morality and ethics, good terms with others, quality initiatives, safety and well-being, laws and policies and job duties. The employees within the organizations are required to up-grade and improve their skills and abilities in terms of these factors throughout their jobs. Thus innovation and creativity will automatically be enhanced in the L&D process.
DeleteCorrect Shanil, this model expanded upon earlier Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) models which split into three groups VAK (Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic) which are referred to as Representational Systems (Sree & Chinyi, 2017).
ReplyDeleteThis model built on previous NLP (neurolinguistic programming) models. The senses are divided into three categories in NLP (Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic) also known as representational systems. As mentioned in the post an individuals preferred learning style may be a blend of all three senses. For another a very strong preference while another individual will possess an even mixture of two or three styles (Shreenidhi and Helena 2017).
ReplyDelete