The VAK learning styles model suggests that most people can be divided into one of three preferred learning styles.

People commonly have a main preferred learning style, but this will be part of a blend of all three.

Some people have an extreme preference; others have a more even mixture of two or, less commonly, three styles.

When you know your preferred learning style(s), you understand the type of learning that best suits you.

This enables you to choose the types of learning that work best for you.

There is no right or wrong learning style.

The point is that some learning types suit your preferred learning style.

The VAK assessment is not a scientifically validated testing instrument but is designed to broadly indicate preferred learning style(s).

Someone with a Visual learning style prefers seen or observed things, including pictures, diagrams, demonstrations, displays, handouts, films, flip-chart, etc.

These people will use phrases such as ‘show me, ‘let’s look at that, and will be best able to perform a new task after reading the instructions or watching someone else do it first.

These people will work from lists and written directions and instructions.

Someone with an Auditory learning style prefers transferring information through listening: to the spoken word, of self or others, of sounds and noises.

These people will use phrases such as ‘tell me’ and ‘let’s talk it over’ and be best able to perform a new task after listening to instructions from an expert.

These people are happy being given spoken instructions over the telephone and can remember all the words to songs they hear!

Someone with a Kinaesthetic learning style prefers physical experience - touching, feeling, holding, doing, and practical hands-on experiences.

These people will use phrases such as ‘Let me try and ‘How do you feel?’ and will be best able to perform a new task by going ahead and trying it out, learning as they go.

These people like to experiment hands-on and never look at the instructions first!