People with multimodal preferences often like to learn, communicate, and process information in several different ways. Rather than relying on a single approach all the time, they may combine strategies from different modalities depending on the situation, the task, or the people around them.
Multimodal preferences can vary widely. You may have:
- two strong preferences, such as VK or AR,
- three preferences, such as VAR or ARK,
- preferences that are fairly even across all four modalities.
Some people naturally switch approaches depending on the context. Others prefer to use several modalities together before they feel confident that they fully understand something.
For example, one student had scores of V=9, A=9, R=9, and K=9. She explained that she adapted to the situation she was in. If a teacher preferred written responses, she worked in a Read/Write way. In other situations, she used discussion, diagrams, or hands-on experience.
How Multimodal Learners Often Learn
People with multimodal preferences commonly describe learning in different ways.
Some:
- switch strategies depending on the subject or task,
- like information presented in several ways before it fully “clicks,”
- use one modality for understanding and another for reviewing, or
- combine modalities naturally without thinking about it consciously.
For example:
- a VK learner might combine diagrams with hands-on practice,
- an ARK learner might discuss ideas, create written summaries, and use real-world examples, depending on the situation.
Being multimodal gives you flexibility and choices. It can also help when communicating and working with people who prefer different approaches.
You do not need to use every modality equally in every situation. The goal is to choose strategies that work well for the task, the context, and your goals.
Two Common Multimodal Patterns
People with multimodal preferences often describe one of two broad patterns in the way they use their modalities. These are not fixed categories, and many people may move between them depending on the situation.
Selective Multimodal
Some multimodal learners are flexible and context-specific. They tend to switch between modalities depending on what they are doing and what the situation requires.
For example, they may:
- prefer a Read/Write approach when dealing with policies, reports, or legal information,
- use Aural strategies in discussions or meetings, or
- rely on Kinesthetic approaches when learning a practical skill.
These learners often select the modality that seems most useful for the task at hand.
Integrative Multimodal
Other multimodal learners prefer to use several of their modalities together. They may not feel satisfied until they have explored information in multiple ways.
For example, they may:
- discuss an idea,
- make written notes,
- view diagrams or visual summaries, and then
- apply the information practically.
These learners sometimes take longer to gather information and make decisions because they are building understanding by integrating several perspectives. However, this process can also lead to deeper understanding and stronger connections between ideas.
Combining Strategies From Different Modalities
If your VARK result includes more than one modality, you may find it useful to explore strategies from each of your preferred modalities and combine them in ways that work for you. Some multimodal learners feel most confident when they use several approaches together. Others can learn effectively using just one of their preferred modalities in a particular situation.
For example:
- If your result is VK, you may benefit from combining Visual and Kinesthetic strategies.
- If your result is ARK, you may find it useful to combine Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic approaches.
Explore the strategy helpsheets for your preferred modalities:
- Visual Strategies
- Aural Strategies
- Read/Write Strategies
- Kinesthetic Strategies
- Multimodal Strategies
Remember that life, work, and learning are naturally multimodal. There are no hard-and-fast boundaries, and different approaches may be useful in different situations.
