VARK For Teachers and Trainers

How do I teach?

This VARK Teachers’ Preferences Questionnaire is a companion to the VARK: How do I learn? questionnaire.
The development of this Questionnaire recognises the contribution of Marie Hunsinger, RN at Geisinger Medical Center, USA.

Please choose no more than two options for each of the sixteen (16) questions. It should take no longer than 10 minutes. Please choose options that you currently prefer.

My learners need to know some strategies for a major test in my subject. I would use:

my own explanations of what they should do to prepare.

lists of helpful strategies in a handout or text- message.

diagrams of the topics to be tested and how they are linked.

examples from previous tests so students can practice.

My learners need to know why they learn in different ways. I would use:

their VARK results and the strategies each should use for their learning.

my own explanation of the ways learners choose to learn.

text about VARK with descriptions of the methods learners use for each mode.

pie graphs showing the distribution of VARK preferences.

My learners need to know there is a change of rooms for the next five sessions. To help them find the new room I would use a:

map showing the location of the new room.

question and answer session.

list of directions.

physical walk at the end of this class.

I am using groups in my classroom to prepare and present a poster that will summarize a completed topic in my course. I would suggest that they begin by:

recalling the important examples, applications and stories that I used.

listing the contents and some useful text and print resources.

drafting a first version of their poster to show its layout and ideas for content.

discussing who will contribute to the various parts of the poster.

The technologies/aides I use most in my teaching are:

YouTube demonstrations, laboratories, practical sessions and field visits.

question and answer, emails, webinars and online chat/texting.

bullet points on PowerPoint and easy access to my notes and handouts.

designs, images, and symbols and well laid out handouts.

My learners want to know about courses in the next semester that connect with my course. I would use:

a handout describing the courses that fit best for different majors.

examples of choices that previous learners have found helpful.

a chart showing pathways that link with learners' majors and the options that best fit.

my explanation and discussion with answers to their questions.

My learners need to know about how to approach a poster assignment. I would:

use a question and answer session to help learners make choices about what to do and advice about things that don't work well.

use samples of text indicating the important definitions and other information that needs to be included.

show them examples of posters presented by my previous classes that were highly graded.

use examples emphasizing overall layout, designs and formats that add visual information.

I am preparing the first session of my course for my learners. For the first ten minutes I would prepare:

examples and applications that have benefitted society and that have come from studying my course.

a diagram showing the importance of my course and an overview diagram showing how it will fit together.

by reading through the handout of the course outline that the learners have.

an oral statement that stresses my interest in the first topic and the importance of my course.

My learners need to know the dates and times for the course assignments and tests. I would use my course description and:

my explanation of the assignment deadlines to help explain the course description.

a shorter handout that includes only the assignment information.

a calendar for them to schedule their dates and times.

a discussion about how to prepare for each assignment with examples of the types of questions that they will contain.

My learners need to know how the whole class performed in a major test. I would use:

discussion about what they found easy and what was difficult.

bar and pie graphs to show the results and the proportions for each grade.

textbook answers for some of the difficult parts of the test.

examples of common mistakes made and how to avoid those in future.

My learners need to know how to locate the different resources that will be used in my teaching. I would use a:

YouTube video about what my previous classes had found helpful.

linked diagram showing the different resources and their usefulness for my course.

question and answer session with the students contributing their ideas.

handout listing the resources available and where they can be found.

My learners need to construct or assemble something as a team or group. I would set that up by:

providing them with a handout listing the steps to complete the exercise.

describing and explaining the steps to complete the exercise.

having them observe me as I completed the exercise.

providing them with diagrams showing the steps to complete the exercise.

My learners need to know why one home for sale is better than another. I would use:

a walk-through video of the home.

a video of the sales agent describing its features.

written descriptions and lists of its key features.

plans, maps, graphs and diagrams of its features.

In my introductory lesson, my learners need to know the structure and content of my course or subject. I would use:

an inspiring talk about the importance of the subject and the topics in it.

a written description about the course including a list of its contents and rules.

an overview diagram showing the topics that I will teach and how they are linked.

examples of the topics and what the learners will need to do to succeed.

Many of my learners are not using my handouts. I would try to improve them by:

adding more YouTube references that contain helpful dialogue.

adding more interesting visual material using different layouts and formats.

rewriting some of the text to make it more interesting.

adding text that relates to their experiences, interests and needs.

My learners need to know why it is summer in the northern hemisphere when it is winter in the southern hemisphere. I would use:

a demonstration using objects to show the relative positions of the earth and the sun at different times.

a handout and book references with written explanations and definitions for the different seasons.

a YouTube video of an expert talking about seasons.

diagrams showing the impact of the sun's rays on the earth in different seasons.

Language:

How do I teach?