To pass the RQF Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET), it is of prime importance that teachers employ a multitude of learning styles in order to make sure each student is fully engaged. This is because each student learns and processes information differently.
Therefore, VAK Learning becomes essential for delivering effective and efficient lessons that meet their learning outcomes.
What is VAK Learning?
There are three methods for learning, visual (V) auditory (A) and kinaesthetic (K). These three elements when combined are referred to as the VAK Learning Model. Learners habitually rely on all three but will often have one method which is their strongest. They refer to the process by which a student takes in information and helps them retain it the best.
A visual-dominant learner, not surprisingly, picks up and retains information best visually. This means they do well when presented with pictures, diagrams and visual aids, for example.
An auditory-dominant learner is someone who is better at retaining information by listening to it. For these learners, they tend to respond better to interactive speech, stories and stressed conversation.
A kinaesthetic-dominant learner is one who learns best either by physically interacting with the object they are studying or by physically testing information. This means they will engage best with physical activity or games.
There are various methods that allow people to learn, such as reading, making notes and checking online, and these techniques are open to both students and teachers. Everyone has their own preferred method of learning, even if they are not sure what it is.
It is important as an educator to learn how to recognise which method works for all their students. This means that the teacher not only has to interact with the group as a whole but spending time with each student individually as well. This will help them to identify each of their students' dominant styles.
How to identify each learner’s preferred process
There are processes and language that can be used to help a teacher identify each learner’s preferred process.
Visual: These learners tend to respond to language such as “I see what you mean” or “I get the picture”. In other words, language that links to the visual sense.
Auditory: Language such as “That rings a bell” or “I hear you” would work with these learners, as these are linked to the auditory sense.
Kinaesthetic: “It feels right” or “I’ll try that” would work well, appealing to the sense of touch.
Teachers must be aware of the VAK Learning Method and look to hone their skills as this is essential to pass your Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) qualification. This is one area where for their students it is very unlikely it actually plays a part in their learning process, unless you sit down and actively encourage them to list all the types of activities that they enjoy.
Once they do that, they may be able to spot a connection. But as a teacher, your role is to try to do that on their behalf, without them realising it. By doing so, it will really help the teacher learn how to engage the students and look to direct the flow of the lesson to best suit the needs of the class.
To learn more about VAK Learning Model and ways of implementing it in classroom, take the AET qualification at Notting Hill College.