Training with VARK^®:
A Strong Foundation For Ongoing Learning And Development

Training is a broad term that covers everything from one-on-one presentations to large group sessions, aimed at staff or clients, in person or online, and on general or highly technical topics. Regardless of the environment, the key is ensuring that training is effective—that individuals are engaged, understanding, and retaining the information being presented.

The Benefits of Effective Training

Training isn’t just about passing on information; it can build a strong foundation for ongoing & engaged learning and development. Effective training improves individual performance, boosts confidence, and leads to a more skilled, cohesive team. It can drive productivity and innovation, enhancing both employee and customer satisfaction. For instance, consider the cost of disengagement—McKinsey reports that employee disengagement can cost companies up to $90 million in lost productivity annually. Effective training programs that actively use VARK learning styles, can bridge skill gaps, foster engagement, and align personal development with organizational goals.

So, how do you make training engaging and ensure that information is retained?

Trainer Guidelines with VARK:
Be Prepared

Understand VARK Learning Styles

Knowing how your team learns is the key to creating meaningful, engaging training. VARK—Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic—helps you understand the different ways people absorb, process, and retain information. It may seem straightforward, but learning preferences can be complex. By delving into the complexities, you can create deeper participation, improved retention, and better group cohesion.

Understand Your Own Learning Style

1. Complete the VARK Questionnaire yourself to understand your learning preferences.
2. Review the information about VARK learning styles to be sure you understand your results.
3. Understand the complexities of each modality (Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic) and think about how they apply to your training.

Review Your Training Material

Imagine if you could see everyone’s learning style right on their forehead—how would that change the way you train or communicate? Are you covering all the learning modalities effectively?

Consider how each style can be represented:

• Visual: Charts, graphs, diagrams, drawings, colors, symbolic icons, and flowcharts.
• Aural: Verbal instructions, Q&A, group discussions, oral presentations.
• Read/Write: Manuals, reports, bullet points, handouts—lots of text.
• Kinesthetic: Demonstrations, simulations, case studies, practice opportunities.

It’s not practical (or even beneficial) to cover every single topic using all four VARK modalities. The goal is to introduce variety. Aim to use the most appropriate modalities for each topic, so that all four modalities are included at some point in your training program.

Active Learning is Key

It’s not just about delivering information—it’s about what the learner does with it. Engaging trainees in ACTIVE LEARNING through discussions, hands-on activities, and application of knowledge fosters better understanding and retention. Instead of passively consuming information, trainees should be involved in solving problems, analyzing case studies, or practicing new skills in real-world scenarios.

Splitting participants into smaller teams and letting them take turns leading discussions or exercises naturally brings in different modalities and encourages active engagement.

Understand Multimodal Learners

VARK statistics show that over 66% of people have multimodal learning preferences. That means most trainees will want to process information in multiple ways, or will switch between different styles depending on the task at hand. By incorporating a range of learning methods, you can engage everyone—especially those with multimodal preferences.

Consider the following strategies:

• Combining methods: Use a mix of visuals, discussion, hands-on activities, and written content.
• Flexible task approaches: Let trainees choose how to approach tasks—whether by listening, reading, or experimenting.
• Collaboration: Encourage group work where different modalities naturally emerge.

Have Trainees Complete the VARK Questionnaire

Encourage your team to understand their own learning preferences by completing the VARK questionnaire. This can be done before or during training.

During training, explain the different VARK modalities and how they affect communication and learning. Encourage group discussions about the differences in learning styles, helping participants appreciate how their peers might learn differently and how that can adapt their interactions.

Follow Up is Essential

Discovering trainees’ learning preferences is only the first step—it’s crucial to apply this information in practice. After the training, follow up with individuals to ensure the use of VARK principles is integrated into day-to-day business operations. This reinforces learning and helps integrate VARK into the overall business communication and training culture. Incorporating VARK in communication strategies, project management, and ongoing development will ensure long-term benefits and employee engagement. Use surveys, one-on-one meetings, or feedback loops to continuously refine your approach.

Training with VARK:
Practical Applications

Engaging training relies on incorporating a variety of modalities to ensure that all learners can connect and retain the material.

Conclusion

Create effective business training by understanding and incorporating the VARK learning preferences into your programs. Doing so improves team performance, maximizes learner outcomes, boosts employee engagement, and fosters a cohesive work environment.