Recently, I took the VARK learning styles questionnaire out of curiosity, just to see what it might reveal about the way I learn. I’ve always known that I don’t learn in just one specific way — sometimes I need to see something, sometimes I need to hear it, and other times I need to try it out myself before it really makes sense. The results confirmed exactly that: my learning preference is Multimodal, meaning I learn best through a combination of different styles.
My individual scores were Visual 12, Aural 6, Read/Write 4, and Kinesthetic 9. This mix shows that I rely most on visual and hands-on (kinesthetic) methods, but I also benefit from listening and discussion. Reading and writing alone aren’t my strongest learning approaches, but they still play a small part in helping me understand and remember information.
Being a visual learner, I find that colourful notes, charts, diagrams, and mind maps make studying much easier for me. I like seeing how ideas connect — for example, when I can turn a long paragraph of text into a clear diagram, everything suddenly becomes more understandable. Visuals help me turn abstract ideas into something I can picture and remember.
I also learn a lot through listening and discussion. When someone explains something out loud, I often pick up on details that I might have missed while reading. I enjoy talking things through with others — whether it’s in class discussions, study groups, or even casual conversations — because it helps me process information in a more natural and engaging way.
And then there’s the kinesthetic side of me. I’ve realised that I learn best when I can actually do something with the information I’m learning. Whether it’s solving practical problems, carrying out experiments, or applying theories to real-life situations, I find that active, hands-on learning helps me remember things for much longer. It turns learning from something theoretical into something real and meaningful.
Being a multimodal learner gives me flexibility. Instead of sticking to one method, I can combine different techniques depending on what I’m studying. If I’m preparing for a test, I might start by making visual notes or a mind map, then talk through the material with a friend or listen to a recording of a lecture. I’ll often finish by doing something practical — like solving example questions or applying what I’ve learned to a real situation. This combination keeps me motivated and helps the information stick.
I’ve also learned that switching between styles keeps studying more enjoyable. When I get bored of reading or writing notes, I can change things up by drawing diagrams, watching videos, or explaining the topic out loud to myself. It keeps my learning fresh and interactive rather than repetitive.
Taking the VARK test made me more aware of my strengths and preferences, but it also showed me where I can improve. For instance, since my Read/Write score was lower, I know I need to make a bit more effort when working with written information. I can do this by summarising notes in my own words, highlighting key points, or turning written material into visuals to make it more interesting for me.
Most importantly, I’ve realised that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to learn — what matters is finding what works for you. For me, being multimodal means I have the best of all worlds: I can learn by seeing, hearing, reading, and doing. This variety not only helps me understand information better but also keeps me confident and curious throughout the learning process.
Now that I understand my learning style more deeply, I plan to use this knowledge in my studies and beyond. Whether I’m attending lectures, working on projects, or preparing for exams, I’ll use a mix of strategies to stay engaged and focused. I also want to use my awareness of learning styles to support others — everyone learns differently, and recognising that can make a big difference in how we communicate, teach, and collaborate.
Learning about my Multimodal VARK profile has been a small but powerful reminder that learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. By embracing my mix of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic strengths, I can make studying more effective, enjoyable, and personal — and continue to grow in a way that truly works for me.