VARK-Based Blended Learning Support System: An Introduction

Abstract

Academicians faced with the challenge on how to foster an affective learning climate due to the students different background and learning styles. In relation to this, research has pointed out that a positive affective learning climate can be increased with the Blended Learning Strategy facilitated with VARK Learning Style Model. Therefore, in this study the objective is to prepare and develop students learning materials in blended learning environment. In order to achieve the objective, three sub-objectives is developed which are (i) develop a web-based system to evaluate students learning style based on VARK learning style, (ii) to develop online learning materials for selected subjects based on VARK learning style, and (iii) to develop a web-based system which integrate the recognised VARK learning styles and materials available. Two phases are identified for the research methodology; Phase 1) system development and subject material preparation. Phase 2) System testing and implementation/samples. The expected outcome for this project is a full functioned support system to assist the students in their learning process based on VARK learning style which is known as V-BLeSS and may be utilized for MOOC in the future.

Keywords: VARKlearning styleblended learningUniten

Introduction

The rapid development of technology and the industrial revolution of 4.0 has impacted numerous sector of the economy. This inclusive the education sector which currently demand for more advance and fit-to-go students in facing the unknown specialty and skills in the future (Ibrahim & Jaaffar, 2017). Tertiary education sector has to shift the teaching styles instead of more on instructor and content centred to more on students centred and skills development. However, in facing the millennial generation, a traditional method of teaching may not applicable to all. Ineffective teaching styles may distort the learning process and may result low performance by students in both academic and in facing real live (Briggs, 2019).

VARK Model Learning style

VARK is the acronym for visual (V), Auditory (A), Read and write (R) and Kinesthetic (K) was developed from the extention of earlier neuro-lingustic model (Eicher, 1987). Learning styles was defined by Fleming (2011) as “an individual’s characteristics and preferred ways of gathering, organizing, and thinking about information. VARK is in the category of instructional preference because it deals with perceptual modes. It is focused on the different ways that we take in and give out information” (p.1). The models argues that individuals may have preference in anywhere to one type of styles until all the four. A student may relatively prefer one of the four type however may learn to function in the other modes (Hawk & Shah, 2007). Figure 01 presents the VARK model.

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The evaluation of individual learning based on the model is measured through 16 questions which requires the individual to choose the best answer suits their preferences. The scores between 13-48 will indicate the preference of one, two, three or all four of the learning channels. Learners which are categorize as visual will prefer learning style with more pictures, maps, charts, graphs and colours. Aural learners will learn the best by explaining to others, discuss a certain topics, listening to tape recorder, attending lecture and use of stories and jokes. On the other hand, the use of essay writing, reports, textbook, printed handout and manuals will best suits the read and write learners. However, the kinaesthetic learners will prefer to have trial and error, doing things, field trips, problem solving approaches and collection of samples.

Problem Statement

The Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025, Malaysia places great importance on online learning and particularly blended learning as a way of widening higher education participation. Gen-Z of this era are active learners, prefer direct education and knowledge and adept with the Internet. Many researched focused on the benefits and advantages of blended learning (Azizan, 2010; Doiron & Asselin, 2011; Heidi & Neo, 2015). It cannot be denied that Gen-z are more to technologies, however, there are a few notable concerns as to the students might struggle in adapting to this initiative as they now must lead their own learning process (Vaughan, 2007). Other students might find it difficult to adjust to the online course structure (Tayebinik & Puteh, 2012) since every student have different learning styles (VARK) (Newton & Miah, 2017). How to foster an affective learning climate is one of the major challenges in implementing blended learning (Boelens et al., 2017).

Majority of educators in one of the private tertiary education institution are still in the introductory stage for implementing blended learning in class. The traditional method of using single approach in classes which is lecture and power point slide is still the main preferences. Based on unpublished survey result, the main reason for monotonous class are due lack skill for computer software and the limited time for class preparation especially if it is a new subject. As discussed earlier, it is important for the educator to develop different teaching materials and make them available online to the students so they will be able to select which materials will best suits them. This paper offers an introduction to VARK Model learning style by Fleming (2011) as a based to develop effective learning materials for class and detail down the steps and processes in developing an automated system which will calculate and advice the students the appropriate materials which may best suits their learning styles.

Purpose of the Study

The first objective of this study is to prepare and develop learning materials and activites for selected subjects based on VARK Model. Secondly, the study aims to develop a web-based system which integrate the recognized VARK learning styles and materials available. The system is targeted to advice and channel the user to the appropriate materials which best suit their learning styles. These objectives are to support the blended learning environment which currently perceived as a need to the type generation currently in the higher institution.

Research Methods

The study will comprises of two stages. The first stage is to prepare the appropriate class materials for the selected subjects based on the for type of learning styles in VARK model. The second stage is to develop a web-based system which will evaluate the learning style based on VARK Model and channel the result to the appropriate materials.

Findings

As this paper is a concept paper, the findings is merely the targeted outcome form the study. As mentioned earlier, the study planned to have 2-phases processes. Firstly, is to have a complete class activities and materials specifically for each learning styles for four subjects. As there will be four topics to be covered, hence it is targeted to have 16 complete materials at the end of the due date.

Once the system is developed and functioned, a pilot test will be carried out to a selected class and group of students. For learning style evaluation, it will be done based on early, middle and end of the semester to view nay changes on the students’ styles. Each result will be recorded and will be matched with the suitable materials in the system.

Conclusion

The objective of this paper is to explain the plan in developing a comprehensive blended learning system which utilize VARK Model learning style as the basis in order to prepare and develop class activities and materials. as blended learning and utilization of technology has shifted the teaching and learning style into more technological environment, the different learning styles may produce different result. Hence, by appreciating the students style as the basis for class activities and materials will assist the knowledge transfer process and the utilization of technology may provide better results in the future.

This study is limited as an introduction and the actual data and output is yet to generate. Hence, it may not suitable to be taken as an ultimate success until the actual system and result is generated. Apart of that, this study only utilize single learning style, which is VARK Model, as the basis of reference for student learning style. Future research may choose another learning style to produce a better insight and comparison with the result of this study later.

Acknowledgments

This research is funded by Universiti Tenaga Nasional under BOLD2025 Research Grant. Special thank you to Kolej Komuniti Banting for the support and cooperation.

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