LEARNING STYLE PROFILER Research shows that students do learn differently. The way each person prefers to learn is called his/her learning style. It is simply the method by which he/she learns best, that is, the way his/her brain absorbs and recalls information. A more academic definition of an individual’s learning style is "the complex manner in which, and conditions under which, learners most efficiently and most effectively perceive, process, store, and recall what they are attempting to learn" (James, 1995)1 or "the preference or predisposition of an individual to perceive and process information in a particular way or combination of ways" (Sarasin, 1998)2. The idea of individualized learning styles originated in the 1970s and has gained popularity in recent years. Extensive research has been conducted, especially in the USA, on various learning styles. It is now accepted by researchers that the early identification of students’ learning styles plays a significantly positive role in their learning process and in their performance. A number of learning style models has been identified by researchers. Some of these models include the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Model, Kolb’s Learning Style, Jackson’s Learning Style Profiler, Dunn and Dunn Model, NC State University Index of Learning Style, the VAK Model and many others. Although the various models are referred to as ‘learning style’ profilers, they are not beneficial to students only. These profilers actually identify a person’s style of absorbing, processing and recalling information which is what learning is largely about. In the circumstances, they are useful to anyone who deals with information in one form or another. So, for instance, a learning style profiler is helpful to workers who may want to know the most effective way in which they absorb and grasp information, especially when they attend meetings, conferences, workshops or read minutes, reports, manuals etc. The Study Centre employs the VAK model which is widely used by many learning institutions in the USA including the training bodies of companies. This model looks at learning styles from a psychological perspective. It maintains that we use our senses of sight (Visual), hearing (Auditory) and touch (Kinesthetic – also known as tactile or haptic) to receive, process and recall information. The VAK model further holds that most learners predominantly use one of these senses in the learning process. They are said to have one dominant or preferred style of learning. However, some learners can use two or even all three of these sensory modes equally or more or less evenly. They are said to be multi modal or multi sensory. The VAK Learning Style Profiler is a simple yet quite an accurate and effective tool or instrument in ascertaining one's learning style. Even if you do not think that the dominant learning style identified by the LSP is your preferred learning style, it most probably is; in the same way that you may not think that your behaviour has been affected by a traumatic experience until a psychologist discovers that it most likely has. Our VAK Learning Style Profiler or Inventory or Index will:
The LSP is available at two levels. The Senior LSP (for grade 8 to post-matric learners and working adults) consists of 32 questions while the Junior LSP (for grades 4 to 7) consists of 22 questions. Either questionnaire should take just a few minutes to complete. This is not an exam; so don’t rush. There are no right or wrong answers. Each completed questionnaire will be immediately scored by the programme and will provide you with your result sheet. The result sheet will firstly identify your preferred or dominant learning style. Thereafter, the result sheet will provide you with the characteristics of your dominant or preferred learning style. It will then suggest what you should in order to boost not only your dominant learning style but also your less dominant styles. Lastly, in your result sheet, you will find recommendations to improve your learning ability. Many learners struggle with their studies because they study contrary to their natural learning style instead of in line with it. That’s because they don’t know what their natural or preferred learning style is. They are like square pegs in round holes. However, the combination of learning in line with their dominant learning style (as revealed by the LSP) and applying the study techniques (recommended by the study skills programmes) will enable learners to produce excellent results with ease. According to Tanner and Allen, “how students characterize their learning style …could contribute to their academic success by promoting self-awareness and the use of learning strategies that work for their learning style”. For example, once you understand that you are “a more visual learner, [you] can work toward translating information into pictures, diagrams, and charts, even if the information is not initially presented to [you] in that mode”3. Similarly, you can perform better at work if you take into account the way in which you perceive information as revealed by a LSP. It is also helpful if teachers and facilitators adapt their teaching methods to best fit each learner’s preferred learning style. It must be stressed that there is no right or wrong/good or bad learning style nor, for that matter, is one learning style better or more effective than another. Learning styles have nothing to do with intelligence or skills. They have everything to do with the way a person's brain perceives information and then processes and recalls such information. Please bear in mind that research has shown that adopting the actions suggested in your result sheet will make you a more effective learner since such actions harmonize with and promote your dominant learning style. One of the recommended actions is the application of study skills. So, please apply the recommended actions and you will be amazed at the improvement in your marks or in your performance at work, whichever is applicable
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