What is the VARK Model in Learning and Development?

The VARK model offers a practical framework for understanding individual learning preferences. Developed by Neil Fleming in the late 1980s, VARK stands for Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinaesthetic. Each of these components represents a style by which people prefer to receive and process information.

This model plays a strong role in learning and development, especially in health and social care, where accessible and effective education can make a real difference. VARK helps trainers, teachers, and staff work efficiently by matching training approaches to people’s preferences.

What are the Origins and Purpose of VARK?

Neil Fleming, an experienced teacher from New Zealand, introduced the VARK model after noticing that not all learners benefit from the same teaching methods. Fleming saw value in identifying and respecting the differences in how people best absorb new information. His research led to the birth of VARK, which is now widely used across education and professional training.

People use the VARK model to:

• Identify personal learning preferences
• Create engaging lessons or training sessions
• Encourage self-reflection among learners

Using this framework can build confidence and autonomy among students and trainees in the health and social care sector.

What are the VARK Styles?

Every letter in VARK describes a unique style. Below, each style is broken down with description, typical features, and examples for clarity.

Visual Learners

Visual learners prefer information gained through images, diagrams, charts, and symbols. These individuals notice colour, shape, and layout. They often excel when tasks involve observation, pattern recognition, or associating concepts with pictures.

Common signs of a visual learner:

• Enjoys maps, graphs, or spider diagrams
• Uses colour coding in notes
• Remembers details better with visual aids

Employees in health and social care may benefit from flowcharts, mind maps, or dashboards, which offer a clear view of complex processes.

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners process information best through sound and speech. Talking, listening, and discussion play an important role in their learning.

Traits of auditory learners include:

• Prefers spoken instructions
• Finds group discussions productive
• Remembers information after lectures or listening activities

Role play, storytelling, and interactive presentations support the needs of people who learn by hearing. Recorded lectures and podcasts are also effective for this group.

Reading/Writing Learners

These learners interact best with printed or written words. Reading, writing, and making notes are at the centre of their learning process.

Features of reading/writing learners:

• Takes detailed notes during training sessions
• Likes to read manuals, guides, and handouts
• Enjoys filling in forms, writing essays, or compiling checklists

For professionals in health and social care, access to well-written resources and opportunities to write reports or case studies can be motivating.

Kinaesthetic Learners

Kinaesthetic learners learn through doing, hands-on activities, and real experiences. They often find practical tasks more meaningful than purely theoretical sessions.

Features of kinaesthetic learners:

• Prefers demonstrations or workshops over lectures
• Remembers best through physical activity
• Learns well by experimenting, building, or role playing

Simulation exercises and practical demonstrations, such as using clinical equipment or engaging in interactive scenarios, fit these learners well.

Multimodal Learners

While some people strongly prefer one VARK style, many use a blend of two or more. These are called multimodal learners. They find value in mixing different strategies, which can widen the pool of resources available and enrich the learning journey.

This flexibility allows a multimodal learner to switch between styles, choosing what suits them best for each topic or setting.

Benefits of recognising mixed preferences:

• A broader approach to solving problems
• Increased adaptability in training environments
• Greater engagement with content

VARK in Health and Social Care Education

The UK health and social care sector relies on effective training for quality service. The VARK model is often used in clinical skills sessions, professional development workshops, and mandatory training modules.

Using VARK has several practical benefits:

• Staff pick up skills quicker when taught using their preferred methods
• Service users benefit from personalised and accessible communication
• Educational materials can be adapted for different abilities

For example, training on infection control could include posters (visual), group discussions (auditory), written policies (reading/writing), and hands-on demonstrations (kinaesthetic).

Recognising Learning Styles in Workplace Practice

Identifying a colleague or service user’s preference can make training or care more effective. The VARK questionnaire is a quick assessment tool that helps people work out their dominant style. Staff may fill in this questionnaire before a training session.

Adjustments based on preferences:

• Provide diagrams or case studies with written descriptions
• Offer podcasts and audio summaries of key topics
• Include practical sessions or job shadowing

This approach supports staff with different abilities or needs, helping everyone take part fully.

The Advantages of the VARK Model

The VARK model offers practical benefits for all stakeholders in health and social care.

Key advantages:

• Learning is more enjoyable and meaningful
• Communication between trainer and learner improves
• Diverse workforce needs are addressed

In service user care, using VARK-inspired methods can help when discussing treatment plans. Staff can offer leaflets, show diagrams, or talk service users through choices—making care more inclusive.

Limitations and Points for Reflection

No single model explains learning completely. VARK can be a helpful guide, but people are more complex than fixed categories.

Possible drawbacks include:

• Over-reliance may limit creativity
• Learning preferences can change over time or with subject matter
• Not every topic lends itself to each style

Most professionals find VARK works best when used flexibly. Some skills need hands-on practice; others need clear reading or detailed discussions. Trainers can use VARK as a starting point, then adapt as they learn more about their team.

Teaching Strategies Using VARK

Applying the VARK framework leads to a mixed approach to teaching. Trainers and educators can match activities with the four styles.

Effective strategies:

• Visual: Use flowcharts, infographics, and mind maps in presentations
• Auditory: Arrange Q&A sessions, encourage group debate, read instructions aloud
• Reading/Writing: Distribute written materials before the session, ask for written feedback
• Kinaesthetic: Provide practice-based sessions, use models or mock scenarios

Many in the UK health and social care field use a mix of these techniques, keeping participants engaged and learning sustained.

Practical Examples in Health and Social Care

A real-world example is a medication administration workshop. To include all VARK styles, a manager might:

• Distribute a colourful flowchart showing the medication process (visual)
• Host an introductory talk with step-by-step verbal instructions (auditory)
• Offer a written policy guide and checklists for practice (reading/writing)
• Run practical exercises with mock medications and sample equipment (kinaesthetic)

By using all four approaches, every learner connects with one or more aspects during the workshop. This improves skills and boosts confidence.

VARK’s Place in Life-Long Learning

In health and social care, ongoing learning supports safe and quality practice. Staff must master difficult topics, keep up with new guidelines, and reflect on performance.

The VARK model encourages workers to take charge of their own development by:

• Spotting how they learn best
• Choosing resources that play to their strengths
• Requesting support that matches their needs

Service users and carers benefit too, especially when information is offered in various formats. This can help with understanding care plans, medication instructions, or general wellbeing advice.

Creating Inclusive Training with VARK

Diversity is common in the workforce. Inclusive education ensures no one is left out due to language, culture, age, or ability. When trainers use VARK, they create equality by:

• Allowing materials in multiple formats
• Offering more ways to demonstrate skills
• Giving learners time to process information their chosen way

This builds respect and reduces barriers, supporting staff or service users who may need different approaches.

Supporting Professional Growth

Continuous professional development (CPD) is a requirement in the UK health and social care sector. Using a VARK-based approach helps people reflect on their progress and play an active role in shaping their learning.

Staff who understand their learning style can:

• Select the most meaningful CPD sessions
• Work more efficiently with others
• Take ownership of career development

Leaders can plan training by asking what style staff prefer, leading to better engagement and output.

Steps for Trainers and Managers

To embed VARK in training or supervision:

• Complete the VARK questionnaire with learners
• Offer sessions in more than one style
• Invite feedback and adjust methods if needed
• Mix group-based and self-directed learning
• Give opportunity for practical experience as well as written or spoken tasks

This stepwise approach improves motivation and retention among staff, creating a culture of active learning.

Final Thoughts

The VARK model brings a straightforward, people-focused lens to learning and development, especially in health and social care. By celebrating different learning styles, trainers and managers can create better educational experiences and help their teams succeed. This matters both for staff fulfilment and for the quality of care given to service users across the UK. Understanding and using VARK creates an environment where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive in their professional roles.