Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic Learning Styles (VAK) The VAK learning style uses the three main

sensory receivers: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic (movement) to determine the dominant learning style. It is sometimes known as VAKT (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, & Tactile). It is based on modalitieschannels by which human expression can take place and is composed of a combination of perception and memory. VAK is derived from the accelerated learning world and seems to be about the most popular model nowadays due to its simplicity. While the research has shown a connection with modalities and learning styles (University of Pennsylvania, 2009), the research has so far been unable to prove the using one's learning style provides the best means for learning a task or subject. This is probably because it is more of a preference, rather than a style.

Learners use all three modalities to receive and learn new information and experiences. However, according to the VAK or modality theory, one or two of these receiving styles is normally dominant. This dominant style defines the best way for a person to learn new information by filtering what is to be learned. This style may not always to be the same for some tasks. The learner may prefer one style of learning for one task, and a combination of others for a different task. Classically, our learning style is forced upon us through life like this: In grades kindergarten to third, new information is presented to us kinesthetically; grades 4 to 8 are visually presented; while grades 9 to college and on into the business environment, information is presented to us mostly through auditory means, such as lectures.

According to the VAK theorists, we need to present information using all three styles. This allows all learners the opportunity to become involved, no matter what their preferred style may be. While there is some evidence for modality specific strengths and weaknesses (Rourke, et al. 2002), what has has not been established is matching the instructional style to individual learning strength improves their learning abilities. For example, one study (Constantinidou and Baker, 2002), found that visual presentation through the use of pictures was advantageous for all adults, irrespective of a high or low learning-style preference for visual images. Indeed, it was especially advantageous for those with a strong preference for verbal processing. Hints for Recognizing and Implementing the Three VAK Styles Auditory learners often talk to themselves. They also may move their lips and read out loud. They may have difficulty with reading and writing tasks. They often do better talking to a colleague or a tape recorder and hearing what was said. To integrate this style into the learning environment:

Begin new material with a brief explanation of what is coming. Conclude with a summary of what has been covered. This is the old adage of tell them what they are going to lean, teach them, and tell them what they have learned. Use the Socratic method of lecturing by questioning learners to draw as much information from them as possible and then fill in the gaps with you own expertise. Include auditory activities, such as brainstorming, buzz groups, or Jeopardy. Leave plenty of time to debrief activities. This allows them to make connections of what they leaned and how it applies to their situation. Have the learners verbalize the questions. Develop an internal dialogue between yourself and the learners.

Visual learners have two sub-channelslinguistic and spatial. Learners who are visual-linguistic like to learn through written language, such as reading and writing tasks. They remember what has been written down, even if they do not read it more than once. They like to write down directions and pay better attention to lectures if they watch them. Learners who are visual-spatial usually have difficulty with the written language and do better with charts, demonstrations, videos, and other visual materials. They easily visualize faces and places by using their imagination and seldom get lost in new surroundings. To integrate this style into the learning environment:

Use graphs, charts, illustrations, or other visual aids. Include outlines, concept maps, agendas, handouts, etc. for reading and taking notes. Include plenty of content in handouts to reread after the learning session. Leave white space in handouts for note-taking. Invite questions to help them stay alert in auditory environments.

Post flip charts to show what will come and what has been presented. Emphasize key points to cue when to takes notes. Eliminate potential distractions. Supplement textual information with illustrations whenever possible. Have them draw pictures in the margins. Have the learners envision the topic or have them act out the subject matter.

Kinesthetic learners do best while touching and moving. It also has two sub-channels: kinesthetic (movement) and tactile (touch). They tend to lose concentration if there is little or no external stimulation or movement. When listening to lectures they may want to take notes for the sake of moving their hands. When reading, they like to scan the material first, and then focus in on the details (get the big picture first). They typically use color high lighters and take notes by drawing pictures, diagrams, or doodling. To integrate this style into the learning environment:

Use activities that get the learners up and moving. Play music, when appropriate, during activities. Use colored markers to emphasize key points on flip charts or white boards. Give frequent stretch breaks (brain breaks). Provide toys such as Koosh balls and Play-Dough to give them something to do with their hands. To highlight a point, provide gum, candy, scents, etc. which provides a cross link of scent (aroma) to the topic at hand (scent can be a powerful cue). Provide high lighters, colored pens and/or pencils. Guide learners through a visualization of complex tasks. Have them transfer information from the text to another medium such as a keyboard or a tablet.

VAK Survey Free VAK Survey. Types of Learning Styles Students that have learning disabilities have one commonality, a processing deficit that interferes with their learning. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that every individual learns differently and thus has a unique learning style. "Approximately 20 to 30 percent of the school-aged population remembers what is heard; 40 percent recalls well visually the things that are seen or read; many must write or use their fingers in some manipulative way to help them remember basic facts; other people cannot internalize information or skills unless they use them in real-life activities such as actually writing a letter to learn the correct format." (Teaching Students to Read Through Their Individual Learning Styles, Marie Carbo, Rita Dunn, and Kenneth Dunn; PrenticeHall, 1986, p.13.)

For some, auditory input is most valuable; others rely upon a visual style. Still others learn through kinesthetic means, or a combination of the three. Every person has one primary learning mode. Once you identify that mode, you can learn to maximize it and enhance your child's education. Auditory Learners Auditory learners tend to benefit most from traditional teaching techniques. Many teachers use a lecture-style forum, presenting information by talking to their students. Regulating voice tone, inflection, and body language will help all students maintain interest and attention. Auditory learners succeed when directions are read aloud, speeches are required, or information is presented and requested verbally. Visual Learners Some students rely upon a visual learning style: "Show me and I'll understand." Visual learners benefit from diagrams, charts, pictures, films, and written directions. These students will value to-do lists, assignment logs, and written notes. Many of these techniques, however, also benefit kinesthetic learners. Kinesthetic Learners Most of the school population excels through kinesthetic means: touching, feeling, experiencing the material at hand. "Children enter kindergarten as kinesthetic and tactual learners, moving and touching everything as they learn. By second or third grade, some students have become visual learners. During the late elementary years some students, primarily females, become auditory learners. Yet, many adults, especially males, maintain kinesthetic and tactual strengths throughout their lives."(Teaching Secondary Students Through Their Individual Learning Styles , Rita Stafford and Kenneth J. Dunn; Allyn and Bacon, 1993) Kinesthetic learners are most successful when totally engaged with the learning activity. They acquire information fastest when participating in a science lab, drama presentation, skit, field trip, dance, or other active activity. Because of the high numbers of kinesthetic learners, education is shifting toward a more hands-on approach; manipulatives and other "props" are incorporated into almost every school subject, from physical education to language arts. Hands-on teaching techniques are gaining recognition because they address the challenging needs of kinesthetic learners, as well as the diverse needs of auditory and visual learners. As research and teacher inservicing continue, classrooms will continue to integrate more of these techniques. Once students understand their learning styles, they can better adapt to their learning environment. Throughout the educational process, students enter many arenas. In elementary school, they are away from home, adjusting to the demands of the teacher. As they progress to middle/junior high school, students suddenly have multiple teachers, in multiple rooms, with increased homework. High school brings even more teachers, more homework, more peer pressures -- all of which can be overwhelming.

When your child identifies his or her unique learning style, you can begin to build upon it. Understanding learning styles is only a first step in maximizing potential and overcoming learning differences.

Read more on FamilyEducation: http://school.familyeducation.com/intelligence/teachingmethods/38519.html#ixzz2kXNl1cNe http://school.familyeducation.com/intelligence/teaching-methods/38519.html What's YOUR Learning Style?

Purpose:

To learn about learning styles. To understand the differences between auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners To identify your own learning style

There are three basic types of learning styles. The three most common are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. To learn, we depend on our senses to process the information around us. Most people tend to use one of their senses more than the others. Today's lesson will help you determine which of these learning styles you rely on the most. There is a series of 16 questions that are related to the three main learning styles. Read the question and select the answer that closest fits your answer. Don't think about the questions too much. Go with your first choice. After you answer each of these questions, just click on the submit button at the bottom of the page. If you are connected to the internet, the computer will evaluate the results and display how many of each answer you selected. Once the computer has evaluated your answers, it will show your primary learning style. Sometimes people have two or three that all have about the same number of choices. Some people depend on two or more types of learning styles. It is not unusual to use different learning styles for different tasks. That's why people can respond so differently to the same thing. http://sunburst.usd.edu/~bwjames/tut/learning-style/index.html Types of Learning Styles Types of Learning Styles: The Three Main Types There are three main types of learning styles: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Most

people learn best through a combination of the three types of learning styles, but everybody is different. Auditory Learners: Hear Auditory learners would rather listen to things being explained than read about them. Reciting information out loud and having music in the background may be a common study method. Other noises may become a distraction resulting in a need for a relatively quiet place. Visual Learners: See Visual learners learn best by looking at graphics, watching a demonstration, or reading. For them, it's easy to look at charts and graphs, but they may have difficulty focusing while listening to an explanation. Kinesthetic Learners: Touch Kinesthetic learners process information best through a "hands-on" experience. Actually doing an activity can be the easiest way for them to learn. Sitting still while studying may be difficult, but writing things down makes it easier to understand. Types of Learning Styles: What Everybody Should Know Although most people use a combination of the three learning styles, they usually have a clear preference for one. Knowing and understanding the types of learning styles is important for students of any age. It is advantageous for students to understand their type of learning style early on so that homework and learning may become easier and less stressful in the future. Although it may be tempting to stick with what works, it's important to practice and train the other types of learning styles early on so that, as he grows, the child can utilize the other types just as effectively. Types of Learning Styles: A Renaissance Child A well-balanced, intelligent child is able to develop all three types of learning styles. Just because a child has a dominant learning style doesn't mean that the other types can't be improved. Having just one dominant learning style, and relying on that style only, can debilitate a child's true potential. There are many different ways to train the different types of learning styles, but it ultimately comes down to training the cognitive skills. Cognitive skills are the foundational building blocks of each learning style. Without properly trained cognitive skills, a child isn't able to use or take advantage of the other learning styles effectively. At LearningRx, we offer a cognitive skills assessment to find the areas in which a child needs improvement. We also offer training that goes to the root of the problem instead of working on the symptoms. If you would like more information on how we can help your child's individual needs, contact a local LearningRx Center near you.

http://www.learningrx.com/types-of-learning-styles-faq.htm Three Learning Styles Everyone processes and learns new information in different ways. There are three main cognitive learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. The common characteristics of each learning style listed below can help you understand how you learn and what methods of learning best fits you. Understanding how you learn can help maximize time you spend studying by incorporating different techniques to custom fit various subjects, concepts, and learning objectives. Each preferred learning style has methods that fit the different ways an individual may learn best. Common Characteristics Visual Uses visual objects such as graphs, charts, pictures, and seeing information Can read body language well and has a good perception of aesthetics Able to memorize and recall various information Tends to remember things that are written down Learns better in lectures by watching them Auditory Retains information through hearing and speaking Often prefers to be told how to do things and then summarizes the main points out loud to help with memorization Notices different aspects of speaking Often has talents in music and may concentrate better with soft music playing in the background Kinesthetic Likes to use the hands-on approach to learn new material Is generally good in math and science Would rather demonstrate how to do something rather than verbally explain it Usually prefers group work more than others Helpful Tips Visual Turn notes into pictures, charts, or maps Avoid distractions (windows, doorways, etc.) Learn the big picture first and then focus on the details Make mind and concept maps instead of outlines Color code parts of new concepts in your notes Use flash cards when trying to study vocabulary

Auditory Record lectures and then listen to them Repeat material out loud and in your own words Discuss materials in your study groups Read textbooks aloud Listen to wordless background music while studying Kinesthetic Take study breaks often Learn new material while doing something active (e.g., read a textbook while on a treadmill) Chew gum while studying Work while standing Try to take classes with instructors who encourage demonstrations and fieldwork http://blc.uc.iupui.edu/AcademicEnrichment/StudySkills/LearningStyles/3LearningStyles. aspx -