Teaching and learning can occur in a wide range of settings and individuals may respond very differently to different approaches to teaching and learning. Some people argue that these differences occur because individuals have preferred learning styles and adapting learning environments to take account of these could make a considerable difference to their participation and achievement. Learning styles continue to exert an appeal, even though their value is keenly contested. Indeed earlier presentations of this material generated heated discussion among guidance practitioners. So here we present a questionnaire that will allow you to self-assess your own preferred learning style, an edited collection of contributions and comments from a range of guidance practitioners and a comprehensive review of learning styles. If you have not previously taken a learning style inventory why not have a go at the following self assessment learning style inventory.

The Vark Questionnaire

Please note, this inventory is subject to copyright and copyright restrictions relate to its use.  Copyright for this version of VARK is held by Neil D. Fleming, Christchurch, New Zealand and Charles C. Bonwell, Green Mountain, Colorado, USA.

VARK questionnaire

Discussions about value of learning styles

Mixed reactions to and possible uses of learning styles in guidance, together with a link to further resources related to experiential learning.

Comprehensive reviews of research on learning styles

The Learning Skills Development Agency (LSDA) has produced two comprehensive documents reviewing research on learning styles and how these might be used in practice. The documents, both published in 2004, represent the state of the art on learning styles and we recommend them to anyone with an interest in this area.