Introduction
It is essential to understand the learning approaches by individuals to support the learning process and attain the needed learning outcomes. Understanding learners’ approach to learning and acquiring needed education is critical in formulating teaching strategies. The approach is sustainable in further strengthening the applicability of knowledge attained during learning. The paper report seeks to discuss self-evaluation results of learning approaches while comparing existing preferred learning strategies.
Summary of Learning Styles According to the VARK Questionnaire
Based on the questionnaire filled out on the VARK website for learning styles. The question is, ‘How do you best learn?’ The survey results/scores are as follows; Kinesthetic scored 13, followed by Read/Write learning style with a score of 13. Aural learning style had a score of 11; lastly, Visual learning obtained a score of 6. The results indicate that the preferred styles of learning/learning preferences are; Read/Write, Kinesthetic, and Aural learning preference.
Description of Preferred Learning Styles and Comparisons
Based on the questionnaire results for preferred learning strategy, the highest preferred learning strategies were Kinesthetic and Read/Write, with scores of 26 each. This was followed by Aural and Visual learning strategies with respective scores of 18 and 11. The kinesthetic learning strategy entails learning by practice, solving problems practically, and demonstrating through experience, simulation, and real-time events (Rini et al., 2020). Read/Write learning strategy entails using printed and written words to pass information. In this case, preference is given to presenting learning information to ease reading and understanding. The aural learning strategy entails an engaging question-and-answer approach to obtaining information and learning. The approach effectively seeks clarity and creates a lasting memory for learners as they remember what has been said to them (Almarwani & Elshatarat, 2022). Lastly, the visual learning strategy entails using visual components of symbolism, fonts, and different colors to present and emphasize information.
Questionnaire results for preferred learning styles indicate that the preferred learning styles are; Kinesthetic, Read/Write, Aural, and Visual, while the preferred learning strategies are Kinesthetic, Read/Write, Aural, and Visual learning strategies. The results/scores indicate consistency between preferred learning strategies and preferred learning styles. The difference is only in the score values since ranking in preference is similar in learning strategies and learning styles.
How Individual Learning Styles Affect Understanding or Ability to Perform Learning Activities
The degree of learner understanding and ability to perform educational activities is contingent on whether the learning styles that resonate with them are applied in the learning process. The various learning styles identified in the survey have different impacts on understanding and ability to perform education activities as follows;
The kinesthetic learning style provides knowledge to learners to practically apply theoretical concepts in solving real-world problems or completing learning activities that require practical demonstration, such as practical science projects or class presentations (Xhomara & Shkembi, 2020). In this case, learners actively participate in learning and may sharpen their theoretical and practical prowess. Secondly, Read/Write style invigorates comprehension among learners as they present what they are taught through written texts and words and succeed in educational activities that entail writing reports, essays, and summaries of various study materials. The aural learning style enables better understanding as learners participate in discussions, lectures, and educational sessions by listening and talking through inquisitiveness. Lastly, visual learning impacts understanding since learners associate certain concepts and information with specific colors, fonts, and symbols thus quickly. Learners excel in educational activities such as preparing presentations in summary form.
Conversely, an educator needs to understand the learning styles of individual learners before engaging them in educational sessions. The primary importance of this approach is to identify the learning needs of students/learners and tailor-make strategies and styles to ensure effective and suitable learning, thus creating desired learning outcomes such as high levels of understanding and participation levels in the learning process.
Learning Styles and Health Promotion
Comprehending learning styles impact health promotion among participants as follows; first, understanding learning styles increases health concepts and information comprehension since educators deliver learning and educational content based on suitable learning styles. In this case, by understanding the health concepts and information, participants can practice what they have been taught to improve their health (Tzenios, 2020). Secondly, understanding and using the appropriate learning styles in health promotion through education invigorates participation in the learning process since learners feel that the styles they prefer to receive health knowledge have been employed. Subsequently, learning styles are a catalyst and enhancer of behavioral change as follows; using appropriate learning styles motivates learners to participate in the learning process, representing a positive behavioral change aimed at embracing health education and better health promotion. Secondly, using appropriate learning styles creates improved content and knowledge retention, ensuring learners have a sustainable/lasting behavioral change toward health.
Conversely, there is a need to accommodate various learning styles in health promotion. The primary strategy for accommodating diverse learning styles is conducting a learning needs assessment and analysis. The approach should be learner-oriented and collect adequate information on targeted communities regarding their preferred learning styles when offering health education and knowledge. The needs assessment and analysis results further translate to a better comprehension of health promotion lessons and participation in the process.
Conclusion
Based on the paper report, the preferred learning styles intersect with the preferred learning strategies, namely Kinesthetic, Read/Write, Aural, and Visual. The main lesson from the analysis is that adopting a holistic approach to applying critical learning styles when delivering health education is essential. The approach is essential for maximum targeted community participation, comprehension, and positive behavioral change toward health.
Reference
Almarwani, A. M., & Elshatarat, R. (2022). Understanding Learning Styles in Undergraduate Nursing Programs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An Integrative Literature Review. The Open Nursing Journal, 16(1). DOI: 10.2174/18744346-v16-e2209260
Rini, D. S., Adisyahputra, D. V. S., & Sigit, D. V. (2020). Boosting student critical thinking ability through project-based learning, motivation and visual, auditory, kinesthetic learning style: A study on Ecosystem Topic. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(4), 37-44. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.081806
Tzenios, N. (2020). Clustering Students for Personalized Health Education Based on Learning Styles. Sage Science Review of Educational Technology, 3(1), 22–36.
Xhomara, N., & Shkembi, F. (2020). The influence of multiple intelligences on learning styles in teaching and learning. Journal of Applied Technical and Educational Sciences, 10(1), 19–48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24368/jates.v10i1.148
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