6. VAK Learning Style

In the 1920s, the VAK Learning Style was developed by psychologists in order to identify three preferences in which people learn. They are namely Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic (Pratchett et al, 2016).

Wulansari (2016) highlights that the VAK learning model is a multisensory approach that incorporates three learning models known as Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic. Additionally, Rambe and Zainuddin (2014) states that the VAK is a quantum learning approach that combines students' motivation, engagement and cognitive processing habits. This has an impact on how well they use metacognitive skills such as situation analysis, self pacing and self evaluation.

Figure 8 VAK Learning Style Preferences

Source: (Sprengel, 2020)

 

Characteristics of Each Learning Style

Visual Learning

Sreenidhi and Helena (2017) argue that concepts, information and ideas are linked to images and methods in visual learning. It is one of the three fundamental types of learning styles and is present in 60% to 65% of the general population.

Visual learners process information better through sight, are more likely to forget information they have only heard and prefer to see things. They appreciate working in groups, prefer to view concepts as a whole rather than as separate pieces and get insight from understanding the goals and objectives of learning sessions. They are also proficient in sign language. Spelling accuracy is high among visual learners, but tend to forget names. They are often distracted by other people's movements and prefer less formal environments to learn. They can comprehend intricate maps, graphs and charts and are intrigued with colour. In order to recall information, they might make use of symbols, diagrams and colour coding (Sreenidhi and Helena, 2017).

 

Auditory Learning

According to Sreenidhi and Helena (2017), auditory learning is a learning style where individuals learn through listening and about 30% of the population are auditory learners. They prefer to hear information and follow verbal instructions, preferring to understand small parts and relationships between them. Auditory learners are skill oriented, memorize tasks well and benefit from traditional teaching styles. They can communicate well orally and excel in writing responses to lectures, oral exams, presentations and they may dislike to keep notes or conduct personal research and they prefer delivering presentations over written reports.

Sreenidhi and Helena (2017) also argue that auditory learners can understand the true meaning of someone's words by listening to audible signals like changes in tone. They tend to accurately recall what has been spoken but may benefit from additional reading or writing out facts. They enjoy explaining their learning to others and learn from discussion.

 

Kinesthetic Learning

Kinesthetic learning is also known as tactile learning and it is a learning style where students engage in physical activities rather than passively listening to lectures or watching demonstrations. Kinesthetic learners make up about 5% of the population, is characterized by natural discovery and experimentation. These learners prefer hands on activities and often learn best in simulated or real environments (Sreenidhi and Helena, 2017).

Sreenidhi and Helena (2017) further states that kinesthetic learners excel in various subjects such as chemistry experiments, sports, art, acting and may also listen to music while studying or learning. Their short and long term memory is strengthened by their body movements and they often visualize their own body movements. They possess very good hand eye coordination and quick receptors. As a result of their constant need to move, high levels of energy and frequent fidgeting, kinesthetic learners may stand out in a normal classroom setting.

 

Application of VAK Learning Style in the Tea Plantation Industry

Visual Learning

Tea plantation industry utilizes visual learning in the form of charts and graphs when trainings are conducted to illustrate concepts such as fluctuations in the tea harvest, volumes of fertilizer applications etc. Companies also employ instructional videos showing pruning methods, machinery operation and quality control procedures.

 

Auditory Learning

Supervisors provide verbal instructions and explanations to learners, when new tasks or procedures are taught in the tea plantation. Moreover, engaging in group discussions and workshops where ideas and experiences are shared verbally, are beneficial for auditory learners in the tea plantation industry to understand concepts and enhance knowledge.

Figure 9 Supervisors providing instructions at a Tea Estate in Sri Lanka

Source: (ILO, 2018)

Kinesthetic Learning

Kinesthetic learning is one of the most prevalent learning styles in the Tea Plantation industry. Employers of tea estates provide the workers with opportunities to directly engage in tasks such as tea plucking, pruning, weeding (In field) and operating machinery in the tea factory. In addition, simulating real life situations through role playing activities, such as fire training, allows factory employees to actively participate and learn through experience, is a good illustration of the kinesthetic learning style in use in the tea plantation industry.

Figure 10 Fire training session at Ahinsa Tea Factory

(Ahinsa Tea, 2023)

References

Ahinsa Tea, (2023) Ahinsa Tea organized a Live Fire Demonstration Training Program for all Employees. [Facebook] 6 February. Available from: https://web.facebook.com/ahinsateas/posts/pfbid04JfxE5fK22HhVqHHJidg1x1XYZBFoZoDyYzW1JxwKFNTWxBDydgLkg95Pzgmfdi7l [Accessed: 8 April 2024].

Rambe, H. H., and Zainuddin. (2014) The Effect of Using Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic (VAK) Learning Model on Students’ Achievement in Writing Recount Text.

Sprengel, R. (2020) Learning Styles Online: how can we allow for different learner types? [Online] ELTAS. Available from: https://www.eltas.de/2020/07/01/learning-styles/ [Accessed: 8 April 2024].

Sreenidhi, S.K. and Helena, T.C. (2017) Styles of Learning Based on the Research of Fernald, Keller, Orton, Gillingham, Stillman, Montessori and Neil D Fleming. International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field.

Wulansari, Y. (2016) The use of visual auditory kinesthetic (VAK) learning model to improve students’ reading comprehension (Unpublished Thesis). Department of Teacher Training and Education. Faculty State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) Salatiga.