VARKmodel

VARK model is a framework for understanding individual differences in learning preferences. Developed by Neil D. Fleming and Colleen Mills in the early 1990s, the model identifies four modalities: Visual, Aural (Auditory), Read/Write, and Kinesthetic. The framework suggests that learners may prefer one modality or multiple modalities, yielding unimodal and multimodal learners. The term VARK is an acronym for the four modalities, with Read/Write introduced to supplement the original Visual, Aural, Kinesthetic model (often referred to as VAK).

Assessment: The model is commonly used with the VARK questionnaire, a self-report instrument that asks respondents to choose preferred modes in various learning situations. Results are used to guide instructional design, encouraging educators to present material using multiple modalities to accommodate different preferences and to promote multisensory engagement.

Impact and criticism: The VARK model has seen widespread adoption in education and training, but its empirical support is contested. Critics argue that there is limited evidence that tailoring instruction to a learner's preferred style improves learning outcomes, and that individuals often display multimodal preferences. Some concerns include reliability of the questionnaire, risk of labeling, and oversimplification of cognitive processes. Proponents, however, view it as a useful framework for reflecting on teaching practices and for raising awareness of diverse instructional modalities.

Usage: Beyond individual instruction, VARK-inspired approaches influence curriculum design, assessment methods, and professional development. It has been applied across disciplines, especially in higher education and healthcare education, where instructors incorporate visual aids, lectures, reading materials, and hands-on activities to support different learners.