Learning Styles (VARK) is a model that identifies four ways people prefer to learn: Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic. It helps understand how students process information, allowing for tailored educational experiences.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What are learning styles (VARK)?
The VARK model breaks down how we learn into four styles. Developed by Neil Fleming in 1987, it covers:
- Visual learners love diagrams and charts.
- Auditory learners enjoy lectures and discussions.
- Read/Write learners thrive on text and writing tasks.
- Kinesthetic learners want hands-on experiences.
Many people don't fit neatly into one category. Instead, they are often multimodal learners, showing preferences across different styles.
What research actually shows
Here's the tough part: the idea of learning styles isn't backed by solid science. A 2024 study with over 1,700 students found that matching teaching to a student’s preferred style didn’t really improve learning outcomes. VARK questionnaires focus on self-reported likes, not on real learning gains. What really matters is matching the content to the right method. For example, everyone benefits from visuals when learning anatomy, and everyone learns pronunciation better through listening.
The practical middle ground
Don’t get me wrong—learning preferences are still useful. Your child might prefer audiobooks, but that doesn’t mean they should skip reading skills. Think of VARK as a way to engage, not a limit. A child who learns best by doing might start with manipulatives in math, but they should also work towards understanding abstract concepts. The goal is to expand their skills across all styles, not just stick to their favorites.
Helpful applications for homeschoolers
Being aware of learning styles can help you choose the right curriculum. If your child struggles with a reading-heavy approach, knowing they prefer auditory learning can guide you to include audiobooks or discussions. If something isn’t clicking, try a different method. The beauty of homeschooling is that you can explore content in various ways, rather than sticking to one style for everything.
The bottom line
VARK is a helpful tool for talking about how your child learns. Understanding their preferences can guide your teaching and curriculum decisions. Just remember, don’t let these labels limit your child. Research shows that matching instruction to the content, rather than the student’s preferred style, leads to better outcomes. Use VARK to see how your child likes to engage, but also help them grow in all areas.
