VARK for Teachers

V     Visual Teachers

I prefer:

• to use visuals to explain things.
• world-wide web pages that have strong graphics, hot boxes, etc..
• diagrams, slides, charts, graphs, arrows, circles and boxes.
• the clever use of graphics, fonts..
• complex ideas to be shown first in a diagrammatic model.
• important words and ideas to be placed on the board so that they are spatially interesting (scattered) rather than left-aligned boxes.
• texts that are dense with diagrams and graphics, pictures, color and whitespace'.
• videos.
• to create written exam questions using these words-- illustrate, show, outline, label, link and draw (a distinction between...).
• the students to visualize and see the point

A     Aural teachers

I prefer:

• to use my voice to explain things.
• tapes, conversations, phone calls.
• discussion in class.
• my students to discuss issues among themselves, to work together, and to contribute their ideas.
• the clever use of speech and making a point well.
• argument, discussion, and debate.
• to say the important words to emphasize a point
• seminars; oral examinations, group presentations, student interaction, and dialogue.
• group work involving planning and discussing ideas together.
• to create written exams using these words-- explain, describe, discuss and state.
• the students to listen, speak, discuss, hear and comprehend.

R     Read/Write Teachers

I prefer:

• to use written text to explain things.
• to give handouts.
• my students to read articles and come to class having done so.
• the clever use of interesting words.
• argument and discussion in a written form.
• to place important words that I use on the blackboard or overhead.
• put words in some order using priorities, categories....
• lists of points in vertical and left-aligned columns.
• texts that are dense with text, summaries, abstracts.
• prefer essay exams.
• 'to create written exam questions using these words- define, develop the case for, justify, analyze.
• the students to comprehend, understand, write, define and to use words well.

K     Kinesthetic teachers

I prefer:

• to use reallife examples to explain things.
• guest lecturers, case studies, practical work, visits to sites and laboratories.
• exhibits, samples, newspaper stories, working models, products and people (things that bring reality to a teaching session).
• the clever use of metaphors, examples and analogy in written work.
• to bring objects to class to make a point.
• role plays, demonstrations, practical tests, lab tests, lab reports and open book examinations.
• texts that are dense with cases, conversations, stories, biographies and life.
• to create written examinations using these words-- give examples, apply, demonstrate; using your...
• the students to construct, experience, dissect, apply, develop, work on..., demonstrate, grasp the point, get a handle on. ..,get or grab the ideas, get up to speed,. . . .

Visual

Create concept maps
Draw diagrams, models, flow charts, etc.
Project computer animation Use videos, slides, photographs to explicate, to clarify or as discussion triggers

Aural

Use audiotapes
Have class debates
Engage students in discussion