Learning Styles (VARK Model): How Do You Absorb Information Fastest?

Four VARK types: from theory to practice

What matters is not only how your brain prefers to receive information, but how to turn that preference into concrete actions — and which situations to avoid.

1. Visual style (V)

These people think in images. They see spatial relationships, structures and the big picture best. Dry text without visual anchors quickly becomes monotonous and “blurs together.”

• What works: colour, charts, diagrams, schemas, symbols, mind maps.
• What to do: when reading a long document, mark different themes with different highlighter colours. Always sketch complex processes or plans on paper or a board — you need to see the architecture of the information. Look for video tutorials.
• What to avoid: long presentations or reports where slides are filled with black text and no structural separation.

2. Aural style (A)

For this type, the brain is most active when information arrives through hearing. They have a natural pull toward discussion and remember conversation details well.

• What works: lectures, podcasts, audiobooks, discussions, group work.
• What to do: learn and solve problems by talking. If you are trying to memorise complex theory, retell it aloud to yourself or a colleague. Instead of rewriting notes or meeting minutes, record them on your phone and listen while walking, tidying or commuting.
• What to avoid: studying or working in absolute silence for long stretches. Quiet solo reading with no audio backdrop — or at least the chance to read the text aloud — demotivates this type very quickly.

3. Read/write style (R)

These are the favourites of traditional academic systems. They process information most efficiently when it arrives in words — printed or on screen. Visual material often feels insufficiently informative.

• What works: books, detailed articles, textbooks, lists, glossaries, written instructions.
• What to do: the best way to lock in new knowledge is to rewrite it in your own words. Build detailed bullet-point lists of tasks or facts. Before an important presentation or meeting, do not just think through the main points — write them down.
• What to avoid: formats that offer only abstract videos or diagrams without thorough explanatory text. If you must absorb a lot of information (for example, during a long talk), never sit without something to write with — the act of writing or note-taking is essential so the information does not disappear.

4. Kinesthetic (hands-on) style (K)

Kinesthetic learners learn through experience, touch and physical action. Their nervous system needs movement, so passive intake while sitting still is the hardest task of all.

• What works: real-situation simulations, experiments, practical tasks, physical movement, real-life examples.
• What to do: always look for ways to link theory to practice (case studies). If you must learn dry theory, do it while walking around the room — physical movement helps the brain hold focus, especially if you also struggle with attention and impulse control . Use physical flashcards.
• What to avoid: if you must sit through a long, passive lecture or seminar with only listening required, create micro-movements. Squeeze a stress ball, take intense notes or change posture — complete physical stillness will switch your attention off.

Mixed style: the biggest advantage

If your test results are roughly even across several categories, you belong to a mixed (multimodal) type. That is a major advantage today. Instead of forcing one method, you can switch: when reading tires you, move to a video; when listening exhausts you, turn to physical practice. Flexibility is the fastest path to mastering new skills.

Once you recognise your dominant channel — or combination — learning stops being a test of willpower and becomes a more natural process. Build a work, study or career environment that matches what your brain needs. Take the free VARK learning styles test , assess your information-processing habits objectively and start learning smarter — not longer.