I knew I was a visual learning, but was surprised to learn that I was also a kinesthetic learner.

After taking the questionnaire and watching the video, I realize I am not just a visual learner. I have always preferred that things be explained using visual representations if possible over anything auditory. However, I now understand that I can improve by utilizing both together. By quizzing myself after writing new information in my own words, I can focus more on the key takeaways from information that is more important.

It was a good reminder of some things I need to work on to improve my learning skills. It was reassuring when the results showed that I have a multimodal learning style. I find it useful to learn about learning styles because it helps me find new ways to approach challenges. Instead of trying multiple techniques, I can focus on a specific style that will better suit my personality. I also became aware of self-testing and the impact it can have while learning new material.

I was very interested in my VARK assessment results and found that I am multimodal. I loved learning about active retrieval in the video “Make it Stick”. Testing myself is mentally exhausting but really helps in retaining information. The biggest takeaway on in improving my learning skills was the importance of growth and fixed mindsets. With a growth mindset, you can learn anything and everything to desire to do.

Through the VARKassement, I learned that I am more of a kinesthetic learner, which did not surprise me. What was surprising was to find that I am the same, if not slightly more, of an aural than visual learner, as I have also found myself learning better with visual diagrams or photos to nail down concepts. After watching the video, “Make It Stick,” some of my takeaways are that I need to use more the techniques, such as elaboration, to turn my understanding of the material from fluency to mastery.

The best way I learn is through visual, aural, and kinesthetic. I was not surprised with my results because I enjoy learning through different formats such as looking at graphs, listening, discussing with others, and trial and error. By listening to the make it stick video I also realized I don’t not interleave my learning which is something I am going to try moving forward. 

I always knew I was a visual learner, but I didn’t realize how much of an aural learner I was as well. Getting my score back for that and having it be a high number was pretty shocking, but I am also the type of person who likes to ask questions and discuss things I don’t understand so it makes sense. In the past, I was a fluency type of learner, so I’m nervous and excited to try different study techniques like interleaving and elaboration now to help me become a more mastery type of learner.

The three things I learned about the way I learn were-not a surprise to me. I always knew I was an highly visual, audio, and especially kinesthetic learner. Therefore I struggled with classes that required heavy writing and reading without some way to apply that information in a tangible way. Therefore I naturally gravitated towards the sciences because I could easily apply what I learned especially through experiments, etc. From the video the concept of fluency vs. mastery really stood out to me because it reinforces the importance of mastering this formation especially within the health professions.

I’ve learned that I’m a combination leaner. I learn best and get the information to stick faster when I can access different variations of the material, whether it be hearing a lecture first, reading the material next, and then working out problems with a hands on approach. The variation keeps me focused, prevents me from simply memorizing the information, and takes information from the fluency to mastery stage more effectively.

I learn best by writing information in my own words and connecting new information to previously mastered content. I also benefit greatly from actively retrieving the content over multiple study sessions. The “Make It Stick” video reinforced my belief in having a mindset in which you believe you can learn and master the content.

The VARK assessment concluded that I am mostly a visual and kinesthetic learner. This did not surprise me because I learn best through visuals, videos, and demonstrations. I also recently learned that I need to focus more on repetitive learning in order for me to master the content.

I realized that I am highly a kinesthetic and aural learner. I also incorporate a mix of passive and active learning techniques, such as highlighting/re-reading text, using mindmaps to demonstrate relationships between information, going through practice questions. I realize I must continue improving upon more active learning techniques. Facing challenges/difficulties with a growth mindset are important elements of learning that I have always struggled with and will try my best to mature and overcome to become a more advanced learner. I know I can do it!

I learned a lot about fluency vs. mastery. I already knew that the practice of re-reading, highlighting, etc. was not an effective way to study, but when the idea was reintroduced in the “interleave curves” section, I was surprised to see the correlation.

After taking the VARK assessment I was surprised by some of my results, I thought I would have scored higher on the visual component than the aural component but my results were actually the opposite. I do think it’s important to consider that learning styles and teaching styles often blend these categories rather than being completely auditory in nature or completely visual. Lastly, I thought the wellness questionnaire was interesting because I had never actually personally defined wellbeing so that was an interesting challenge.