No two employees are the same, hence the way they learn also differs. For some, conceptual clarity comes faster with visuals, while others may prefer listening, reading, or even learning by doing things themselves.
Fleming’s VARK Model helps recognise these learning differences, making it easier to design personalised microlearning lessons for learners with different learning preferences.
A robust microlearning LMS builds on this practical aspect of VARK’s model to improve learner engagement, resulting in better knowledge retention and recall.
At a Glance
- VARK classification of learning preferences: Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic.
- Each learner is different, hence, each one absorbs content or information differently .
- VARK helps you recongnise and pick different microlearning assets.
- Going by this logic, microlearning content offered in multiple formats becomes more engaging spaced repetition, and it’s AI-powered authoring tool.
- Outcome: Superior workplace performance.
Understanding VARK: The Foundation of Personalized Microlearning
The VARK model is a framework that categorizes learners into four distinct styles: Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic.
By identifying these preferences, you can craft microlearning content that feels intuitive and engaging for each learner. It’s akin to customizing a playlist based on a person’s favorite music genres—you’re tailoring the experience to fit their unique tastes.
Microlearning thrives on this principle of personalization. It’s about delivering content that clicks with the learner, making the learning process more adaptive and effective. Just like finding the perfect workout routine that suits your fitness level and goals, understanding your learner’s VARK preference ensures the microlearning content is as effective as it can be.
Why VARK Matters for Workplace Learning
The reasons are simple-
- One-size-fits-all training programs don’t work
- Training assets are more targeted when you offer the same content in different formats
- VARK allows trainers to cater to different employees. Each learner gets to process information in the way it suits each one
- The outcome: Better engagement, better retention, and better application of what’s learned
VARK and the Individual Learner
Incorporating the VARK model into microlearning allows for a truly individualized learning experience. By understanding whether a learner prefers visual aids, auditory instructions, written materials, or hands-on practice, you can deliver content that feels natural to them.
This makes microlearning not just about quick lessons, but about impactful learning tailored to how each person learns best.
As a training manager, you must ask pertinent questions like:
What’s the preferred learning style of my audience?
How can I design microlearning modules that cater to these preferences?
- How do I ensure each lesson is effective for different learning styles?
Answering these questions sets the foundation for creating microlearning that’s not just engaging but highly effective. It’s like picking the perfect tool for the job.
Knowing your learners’ preferences lets you confidently craft microlearning content that hits the mark. Designing your microlearning map (the blueprint of your lesson) becomes straightforward, giving you greater control over your production process—whether you’re using videos, interactive simulations, podcasts, or gamified elements.
Applying VARK in Microlearning
When you know your learners’ VARK preferences, you can create microlearning content that aligns with their natural learning style, making it more effective. For instance, if you’re training employees on a new software tool:
Visual learners will benefit from infographics or step-by-step visual guides.
Auditory learners might prefer podcasts or voice-over explanations.
Read/Write learners will excel with detailed written instructions or manuals.
Kinesthetic learners will engage best with interactive simulations or hands-on practice sessions.
Understanding these preferences allows you to design microlearning that is not just content-rich but also learner-friendly, ensuring better retention and application of knowledge.
Using VARK to Boost Microlearning Success
By leveraging the VARK model, you’re not just delivering information—you’re ensuring it sticks. Consider how people in everyday life choose different paths to learn something new. Some might read the instructions on assembling furniture, others watch a video, while some dive right in and learn through doing.
Similarly, microlearning that aligns with VARK preferences ensures each learner is on the best path for their success.
For example, when learning how to learn a mechanical process in a manufacturing company, some learners understand verbal instructions, while others like to physically see, touch and toggle with the mechanical process themselves.
A Sample VARK Questionnaire
Here’s a VARK questionnaire sample designed to help you pinpoint individual learning preferences as well as the diversity within your learner group. By using a similar questionnaire tailored to your needs, you can uncover valuable insights that shape your content and design strategy. Because the questionnaire allows respondents to select more than one option, you’ll gather rich data that enables you to create a blend of learning formats.
This approach ensures that every learner receives the same material in various formats—Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic—making microlearning more personalized and closely aligned with individual preferences.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUESTIONNAIRE: Choose the answer that best describes your preference and check the box next to it. Feel free to select more than one option if you feel it suits your style better. Leave any question unanswered if it doesn’t apply to you.
- I want to learn how to improve my gardening skills. I would:
- Read a detailed gardening guide that explains each step.
- Ask experienced gardeners for advice and tips.
- Watch a video tutorial or see step-by-step photos.
- Experiment with planting and tending to different types of plants.
- When learning to repair a bicycle, I prefer:
- Watching videos that show the repair process.
- Listening to podcasts or tutorials that explain the steps.
- Reading a manual with detailed instructions.
- Seeing a visual diagram of the bike’s components.
- To learn about a new fitness routine, I would:
- Read about the exercises and routines in a guide.
- Watch demonstration videos of each exercise.
- Look at charts that show progress tracking and benefits.
- Talk to a fitness trainer or others who have tried the routine.
- When choosing a new hobby, these factors are important for me:
- Applying techniques and practicing the hobby hands-on.
- Discussing ideas and experiences with others.
- Reading about the hobby and understanding its background.
- Working with visual tools, like diagrams or videos.
- If I have questions about a home DIY project, I would:
- Have a detailed conversation with a DIY expert.
- Watch a video that demonstrates the project steps.
- Read an article that explains the project.
- Look at step-by-step illustrations or diagrams.
How MaxLearn Operationalises Fleming's VARK Model
MaxLearn builds on VARK’s classification to create an adaptive microlearning LMS. A platform powered by an AI-powered authoring tool, and enabled by retrieval practice (questions), spaced repetition, gamification, goal-based, risk- and role-specific learning assets.
MaxLearn’s algorithms recognise that each learner has a preferred way of absorbing information. Hence, every learner must get a learning experience to help understand, retain, and confidently apply what’s learned, and what’s likely to be forgotten.
| VARK's Learning Preferences | Microlearning Asset |
|---|---|
| Visual | Infographics, embedded videos/animations, process maps, interactive graphics, Learning Cards, scenario-based learning |
| Aural | Podcasts, narration, audio explanations, discussions |
| Read/Write | Learning Cards (Flashcards), checklists, job aids |
| Kinesthetic | Retrieval practice through quizzes, assessments, simulations, Team Challenges, and goal-based learning activities |
Incorporating the VARK model into your microlearning strategy turns it into a powerful enabler. Especially when you understand how people learn.
MaxLearn builds on VARK’s principles to create personalised learning experiences for every learner. It offers an AI-powered adaptive microlearning LMS that relies on powerful concepts like retrieval practice, spaced repetition, and gamification. The result: an engaging microlearning LMS that learners relate to, find relevant, and confidently apply at work.
