7.2 VAK: Visual, Auditory. Kinaesthetic Copy

The Three different learning styles – VAK: Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic

The Visual, Auditory, and Kinaesthetic (VAK) is a learning style model formed and designed by a psychologist in the 1920s, known as Walter Burke Barbe, and later developed by Neil Fleming.

This learning style is categorized as the most common way that people learn. According to this model, many of us prefer to learn in one of three ways: visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic. However, in practice, people usually mix and match these three learning styles.

If teachers know how students learn best, they can use specific methods to help students retain what they learn. Different types of learning styles will require various methods to keep students motivated and thriving in the classroom.

Let us have a look at the different learning styles, according to Fleming’s VAK model. 

Visual

Fleming states that visual learners need to see the material or content to learn it. Learners seek out pictures, charts, videos, diagrams, and handouts. They thrive when they sit in front of the class to examine the teacher’s body language.

Strengths of the visual learner:

1. These learners instinctively follow directions.
2. These learners can easily visualize objects.
3. These learners have a great sense of balance and alignment.
4. These learners are excellent organizers.

These students learn best when:

1. Engaging these learners using pictures, diagrams, charts, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
2. Following a distributed study guide.
3. Learners draw during lectures.
4. Allowing these learners to study alone.

Auditory

Students seek out discussions, reading aloud, and verbal directions; they have to hear information to absorb it truly. They benefit from recorded lectures.

Strengths of the auditory learner:

1. These learners understand subtle changes in tone in a person’s voice.
2. These learners are skilled in writing responses to lectures.
3. These learners are skilled in oral exams.
4. These learners are skilled in storytelling.
5. These learners are skilled in solving complex problems.
6. These learners are skilled in working in groups.

These students learn best when:

1. Learners participate vocally in class.
2. Learners make recordings of class notes and listen to them.
3. Learners read assignments out loud.
4. Learners study with a partner or group.

Tactile/ Kinaesthetic

Kinaesthetic learners seek out expressive activities and move while learning. They greatly benefit from the Total Physical Response method.

Strengths of the kinaesthetic learner:

1. These learners are skilled in excellent hand-eye coordination.
2. These learners are skilled in quick reception.
3. These learners are excellent experimenters.
4. These learners are good at sports, art, and drama.
5. These learners have high levels of energy.

These students learn best when:

1. Learners conduct experiments.
2. Learners act out a play.
3. Learners study while standing or moving.
4. Learners draw during lectures.
5. Learners to study while performing an athletic activity like bouncing a ball or playing basketball.

How to use VAK in the classroom

The table below offers some approaches you can try out to appeal to the students different learning styles:

Even if students tend to favour one learning style more than another, most people mix different styles. This can also be linked to the intelligence type they fall under from Gardners’ multiple intelligence theory (MI).

Remember to create a classroom environment that can engage all your students learning styles and assist them in learning to the best of their abilities!