DQ: Complete”The VARK Questionnaire: How Do I Learn Best?”

DQ: Complete “The VARK Questionnaire: How Do I Learn Best?”

NRS 429V Week 1 Assignment VARK Analysis Paper

A learning style is a technique through which learners collect, search through, interpret, organize, make conclusions, and preserve knowledge. Learning styles are grouped as per sensory approaches; namely, visual, aural, read or write, and kinesthetic (Whitney, 2018). Visual learning style is whereby learners understand by use of visual tools while in aural, they understand well when they listen to instructions. The read or write learners learn best through reading or writing while in the kinesthetic group, learners gain knowledge and understanding when they are allowed to touch and feel (Whitney, 2018). The purpose of this paper will be to explore learning styles and strategies for learners. I will include a summary of my learning style as per the VARK questionnaire and the importance of identifying learning styles for educators and in health promotion.

Personal Learning Style

My learning style preference, according to the VARK questionnaire, is Strong Kinesthetic (VARK 2019). Kinesthetic preference is described as one that a learner uses experiences and real things even when they are displayed as images and on screens. My VARK results were as follows: visual-0, Aural 4, Read or Write- 3, and Kinesthetic 9 (VARK 2019). As per my learning style, I prefer to have more experiences to enhance understanding of concepts.

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Preferred Learning Strategy

My preferred learning strategy is using practical experiences and real-life case studies to solve problems. By using a practical approach, I understand the concept better and also retain it for an extended period. Besides, I consider ideas to be valuable if they sound real, practical and relevant to me.  I also need to do things practically to understand. Furthermore, I prefer a feedback that involves a face-to-face discussion whereby I am shown examples of projects that demonstrate success or failure. Moreover, I prefer trainers who use examples of real-life occurrences when explaining a point since I remember the examples and relate them with the concept learned. When assessing my understanding, I look at case studies and try to solve them with the gained knowledge to determine if the theory is valuable to real-life situations.

My learning style is in line with the identified learning strategies identified for individuals with a kinesthetic strategy. According to the VARK results, people with my learning style preference like to be trained or learn through practical exercises, examples, experiences, case studies, trial and error, and using things that are real (VARK 2019). They prefer learning from autobiographies and documentaries and applications before studying theories. Besides, they prefer to have demonstrations done before applying what they have learned and like having conversations about the real things in their lives (VARK 2019). Their own experiences are more valuable than the experiences of others, and they prefer undertaking activities with others through actions and making things happen (VARK 2019). Furthermore, they enjoy working on practical problems where they gain problem-solving techniques.

Importance of Identifying Learning Styles for Learners as an Educator

An individual’s learning style determines the degree to which one acquires knowledge and skills since individuals understand better either by visualizing, hearing, reading, or being hands on (Whitney, 2018). Further, individuals learn better when the teaching style used suits their learning style hence making them memorize what they learned during the educational activity. When educators promote a learning environment that addresses the learning styles of learners, the latter can study better and feel more comfortable in their unique styles rather than having to adapt to the changing teaching styles used by the former (Bastable, 2017). Educators need to identify the learning styles and preferences of learners since it helps not only the educator but also the learner in being more effective in the learning process.

By understanding a learner’s learning style; an educator can determine the type of teaching method, resources and teaching methods to use. For instance, auditory learners will best learn through discussions, tape recordings, seminars, and discussions, and they will probably enquire on what they have not understood (Bastable, 2017). Besides, tests for auditory learners will be best conducted using oral examinations. Moreover, by making learners aware of their learning style, educators can empower them to identify the necessity of each learning style for various disciplines.

Learning Styles and Health Promotion

Health providers need to identify the learning styles of individuals when conducting health promotion to ensure that they will learn, understand and practice the health messages provided to promote better health outcomes. Individuals tend to be interested in health education messages when their learning style is considered during health promotion (Kangovi & Asch, 2018). Learning styles affect behavior change as individuals modify their behaviors based on what they saw, heard or practiced in the health promotion programs.  An individual’s learning style determines the possibility of modification of behavior as the patient understand and master information faster and easier when their learning preferences are utilized (Kangovi & Asch, 2018). The different learning styles can be accommodated in health promotion by targeting all the senses when providing health education (Sharma, 2016). For instance, when educating individuals on the prevention of diseases, lectures and seminars can be held which target auditory learners and images and videos can enhance the sessions to target visual and kinesthetic learners. In addition, health education pamphlets can be administered for individuals to read further, which targets read and write learners (Sharma, 2016). During health promotion sessions, case studies can be presented for the learners to discuss and come up with solutions which can suit kinesthetic and auditory learners.

Conclusion

In summary, learning styles, according to VARK, include visual, aural, read or write, and kinesthetic. Learners learn best when the teaching style is tailored to suit their learning style. It is, therefore, essential for educators to identify their learners learning style to promote a comfortable learning environment and enhance their understanding. It is also essential for health educators to understand the learning styles of individuals, including their patients during health promotion programs. Modification of behavior is enhanced by the utilization of appropriate teaching styles that suit learner’s preferences. Besides, different learning styles can be incorporated during health promotion programs to meet the preferences of all learners.

 

References

Bastable, S. B. (2017). Nurse as educator: Principles of teaching and learning for nursing practice. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Kangovi, S., & Asch, D. A. (2018). Behavioral phenotyping in health promotion: embracing or avoiding failure. Jama, 319(20), 2075-2076.

Sharma, M. (2016). Theoretical foundations of health education and health promotion. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Whitney, S. (2018). Teaching and learning styles. Health promotion: Health and wellness across the continuum. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs429vn/health-promotion-health-and-wellness-across-the-continuum/v1.1/#/chapter/4

VARK Learn Limited. (2019). The VARK questionnaire. Retrieved from

http://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/

Complete “The VARK Questionnaire: How Do I Learn Best?”

http://www.stellarleadership.com/docs/Approach%20to%20Learning/assessment/VARK%20Questionnare.pdf

1. Click “OK” to receive your questionnaire scores.

2. Once you have determined your preferred learning style, review the corresponding link to view your learning preference.

3. Review the other learning styles: visual, aural, read/write, kinesthetic, and multimodal (listed on the VARK Questionnaire Results page).

4. Compare your preferred learning strategies to the identified strategies for your preferred learning style.

5. Appraise how this awareness of learning attributes influences your perceptions of teaching and learning.

In a paper (750-1,000 words), summarize your analysis of this exercise. Include the following:

1. Provide a summary of your learning style.

2. List your preferred learning strategies.

3. Compare your preferred learning strategies to the identified strategies for your preferred learning style.

4. Discuss how the awareness of individual learning styles, preferences and strategies influence teaching (those who are in a position to teach) and learning (those who are in a position to learn).

5. Cite a minimum of three references in the paper.

Although the topic of this assignment refers to your individual learning style, avoid the use of first person voice (words such as, “I, we, our”) in your essay.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

Not only do nursing students become nurses, but they also become educators. Nurses educate their patients on disease processes, care plans, self-care, and interventions regarding medical conditions. A nurse’s role in educating involves: collaborating with other multidisciplinary teams, providing mentorship to students and newer nurses, fostering new practices to educate others better, studying updated research regarding nursing practice, creating teamwork to initiate communication between staff and patients, and implementing a positive work culture to decrease nurse turnover. Educating patients on their health encourages them to adjust their lifestyle habits to improve their well-being. It is important to ask patients to describe to a nurse what they know about their condition. Gaining this knowledge can aid in adequately educating a client. Arkansas State University (2018) lists topics included in patient education such as:

• Self-care steps they need to take
• Why they need to maintain self-care
• How to recognize warning signs
• What to do if a problem occurs
• Who to contact if they have questions

Arkansas State University (2018) recommends using familiar words and phrases, reading materials written at a sixth-grade level, and video or audio when providing information to an individual. Utilizing these tips helps build rapport with patients and ensures they understand the pertinent information. One essential piece of information is that not all clients have the same learning style. Some learn verbal, visual, tactile, or hands-on. The hands-on learning approach is the preferred method of learning for patients to infer self-care. “A hands-on approach is instrumental in guaranteeing that a patient understands medical requirements. Nurses should perform a demonstration and have patients repeat back the information or carry out the procedure themselves. Nurses should also teach the patient’s family members, friends or caregivers at home.” (Arkansas State University, 2018, paragraph 6). Even though the hands-on style is preferred, others may benefit from the other types as much, if not more. Implementing multiple learning styles into patient care can help improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Outside of using learning styles, there are other ways to educate a patient. Technology has become a universal educational tool but is beneficial with reliable resources. It is crucial to educate patients on what is considered a reliable source and how many years back an article is published from the current date for accurate details. Information can be provided in several languages, making it easier for a client with a primary language different than English to understand the material. Establishing rapport and asking or answering questions regarding patient concerns encourages education. This helps spark an interest in the patient to implement self-care activities and find ways to improve their health. Considering a patient’s physical, mental, and emotional strength is essential to determine if additional educational resources are needed. Having a client explain the information to a nurse verifies an understanding of teaching. If understanding is not met, explore the setback and reeducate. Kluwer (2017) mentions, “Some patients may need large print materials and if the patient is hearing impaired, use visual materials and hands on methods instead of simply providing verbal instruction.” Fatigue can be considered a barrier to education because the patient wants to focus on resting. Implementing these barriers can aid in improving outcomes. If barriers are present, include family or friends in the teaching to ensure understanding on both ends. Instructions may be followed more if loved ones are involved.

As educators, it is vital to determine the patient’s readiness to adjust to their health and lifestyle. If a patient shows behaviors or actions that identify they are ready for change, this would be the best time to utilize behavioral objectives in their care plan. Ongoing education on these objectives should continue until they are discharged from the facility. Patients should learn that these objectives are individualized and cannot be used on everyone dealing with similar issues. One example of a behavioral objective is smoking cessation. Providing patients with adequate resources and offering continuous education on quitting smoking can encourage them to cut back and stop to improve their health. In conclusion, if there is a will to adjust one’s habits, there is a way.