Research Article
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Investigation of VARK learning styles of pre-service science teachers in terms of various variables

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 1 - 17, 25.04.2025
https://doi.org/10.69918/ejte.1565519

Abstract

In this study, to reveal the VARK learning styles of pre-service science teachers, to examine them in terms of grade level and gender variables and to get their opinions about VARK was aimed. The study was conducted as triangulation design. 178 (144 women, 34 men) pre-service science teachers were studied. To collect data, the VARK scale and semi-structured interviews were used. In terms of VARK learning styles, a significant difference was determined between 1st and 2nd grades in favor of 2nd grades, between 1st and 3rd grades in favor of 3rd grades and between 2nd and 4th grades in favor of 2nd grades. Also, kinesthetic learning style was the most dominant in all grade levels. However, no significant difference was found in terms of gender. The PSTs prefer to learn a subject by reading and writing and to teach the lesson with actions that will make the student active, and that they learn more through reading and writing activities while studying for an exam. Their visual memory was generally good, their tendency to forget what they heard, read and wrote was high and they learnt better when they did a task themselves. Also, they understand a subject more easily by reading from the source, they benefit from writing while expressing their ideas, they learn better by doing a job themselves, and they have more kinesthetic and visual learning styles. The study will contribute to the PSTs to be aware of their own learning styles and to guide their students with different learning methods and techniques when they start to work.

Ethical Statement

This study followed all the rules stated to be followed within the “Higher Education Institutions Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Directive” scope. None of the actions specified under the title of “Actions Contrary to Scientific Research and Publication Ethics,” which is the second part of the directive, were not carried out. Ethics committee permission information Name of the committee that made the ethical evaluation: Atatürk University Date of ethical review decision: 24.02.2022 Ethics assessment document issue number: 3/18

Supporting Institution

This study was supported by Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) under the Grant Number 1919B012107105

Project Number

1919B012107105

Thanks

This study was supported by Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) under the Grant Number 1919B012107105

References

  • Ahmadian, M., & Hosseini, S. (2012). A study of the relationship between Iranian EFL learners’ Multiple Intelligences and their performance on writing. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 3(1), 111-126.
  • Ateş, A., & Altun E. (2008). Learning styles and preferences for students of computer education and instructional technologies. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 30, 1-16.
  • Bahar, H. H., & Sülün, A. (2011). Learning styles of prospective science teachers, gender-learning style relationship and academic achievement according to learning style. Kastamonu Journal of Education, 19 (2), 379-386.
  • Baykan, Z., & Naçar, M. (2007). Learning styles of first-year medical students attending. Adv Physiol Educ, 31, 158-160. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00043.2006
  • Biçer, M. (2010). The relationship between 6th, 7th, 8th grade students' grade levels, gender, academic achievement and course groups and learning styles (Publication No. 263664) [Master thesis, Yıldız Technical University-İstanbul]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Bike, Ö. (2020). Investigation of 7th grade middle school students' attitudes towards STEM education in terms of learning styles (Publication No. 621282) [Master thesis, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University-Rize]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Plano Clark, V., & Ivankova, N. (2016). Karma yöntem araştırması: Alana bir kılavuz . SAGE Publications Inc. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483398341
  • Çoban, H. M. (2019). The effect of analogy-based 5E learning model on the academic achievement ofstudents with different learning styles in the teaching of electrical energy unit (Publication No. 539090) [Master thesis, Adıyaman University-Adıyaman]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Dale, E. (1969). Audiovisual methods in teaching (3rd ed.). Dryden Press
  • Denizoğlu, P. (2008). Evaluation of the relationship between pre-service science teachers' science teaching self-efficacy belief levels, learning styles and attitudes towards science teaching (Publication No. 217183) [Master thesis, Çukurova University-Adana]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Dunn, R. S., & Dunn, K. J. (1993). Teaching secondary students through their individual learning styles: Practical approaches for grades 7-12. Prentice Hall.
  • Düzgün, S. (2018). Validation of VARK learning styles inventory translated into Turkish with confirmatory factor analysis model: The case of teachers. Turkish Studies- Educational Sciences, 13 (11), 1619-1634. http://dx.doi.org/10.7827/TurkishStudies.13442
  • Düzgün, S., & Kaşkaya, A. (2023). Tracing the relationship between pre-service teachers’ learning styles and attitudes toward online learning. International Journal of Educational Research Review, 8 (2), 330-342. https://doi.org/10.24331/ijere.1252058
  • Düzgün, S., & Selçuk, Z. (2018). Evaluation of teachers' eye contact behaviours with students from nonverbal communication skills in terms of some variables. Erciyes Journal of Communication, 5(4),771-795.
  • Erden, M., & Altun, S. (2006). Learning styles. Morpa Culture Publications.
  • Felder, R. M. (1996). Matters of style. ASEE Prism, 6 (4),18-23.
  • Fleming, N. (2012).Teaching and learning styles VARK strategies Retrieved December, 21, 2021, from www.varklearn.comon
  • Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. Basic Books.
  • Güçlü, G. (2020). Investigation of science teacher candidates' learning styles and metacognitive learning strategies (Publication No. 621299) [Master’s thesis, Fırat University-Elazığ]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Güneş, G., & Erkan, S. (2017). Investigation of learning styles of preschool children. Mersin University Journal of Faculty of Education, 13 (1), 13-24. https://doi.org/10.17860/mersinefd.305746
  • Hawk, T. F., & Shah, A. (2007). Using learning style instruments to enhance student learning. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education, 5 (1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4609.2007.00125.x
  • Husmann, P. R., & O'Loughlin, V.D. (2019). Another nail in the coffin for learning styles? Disparities among undergraduate anatomy students’ study strategies, class performance, and reported. VARK learning styles. Anat Sci Educ, 12, 6-19.https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.1777
  • İpekşen, S. (2019). Examining the relationships between 21st century learner skills and learning styles, learning styles and multiple intelligence areas of pre-service science teachers (Publication No. 578159) [Master’s thesis, Kütahya Dumlupınar University-Kütahya]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Kalkan, M. (2008). Learning preferences and problem-based discussion sessions: a study with Turkish university maritime students. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 36 (10),1295-1302.https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2008.36.10.1295
  • Karabörklü Argut, S., Mustafaoğlu, R., Kuş, G., Razak Özdinçler, A. (2017). Determination of learning style preferences in students at the faculty of health sciences. Clin Exp Health Sci, https://doi.org/10.5152/clinexphealthsci.2017.299
  • Katırcı Kırmacı, Z.İ, Otay Lüle, N., Aktaş, B., Arı Yılmaz, D., Günel Karadeniz, P., Erel, S., Adıgüzel, H., Ergen, H.İ., Uzun, M., Yıldızlı, M., & Ergun, N. (2019). Determination of learning preferences of SANKO University faculty of medicine and faculty of health sciences students with VARK questionnaire. Journal of Education in Health Sciences, 1(1), 21-28.
  • Klein, P.D. (2003). Rethinking the multiplicity of cognitive resources and curricular representations: Alternatives to “learning styles” and “multiple intelligences”. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 35(1), 45-81. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220270210141891
  • Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development (1st ed.). Prentice-Hall.
  • Koçak Büyükdere, A. (2018). Analysing the learning styles of dentistry faculty students with two different methods. Journal of Atatürk University Faculty of Dentistry, 28 (3),371-376.
  • Köse, A. (2010). The relationship between science teacher candidates' learning styles, course study strategies and science teaching self-efficacy beliefs (ÇOMÜ sample) (Publication No. 312965) [Master Thesis, Onsekiz Mart University-Çanakkale]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Kurgun, H., & Işıldar, P. (2016). Investigation of the learning styles of tourism and hospitality students using KOLB and VARK learning style models. Journal of Qafqaz UniversityEconomics and Administration, 4 (2), 130-141.
  • Leite, W. L., Svinicki, M., & Shi, Y. (2010). Attempted validation of the scores of the VARK: Learning styles inventory with multitrait-multimethod confirmatory factor analysis models. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 70 (2), 323-339. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013164409344507
  • Marcy, V. (2001). Adult learning styles: How the VARK learning style inventory can be used to improve student learning. Perspective on Physician Assistant Education, 12 (2), 117-120. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01367895-200107000-00007
  • McMahon, S. D., Rose, D. S., & Parks, M. (2004). Multiple intelligences and reading achievement: An examination of the Teele inventory of multiple intelligences. The Journal of Experimental Education, 73(1), 41-52. https://doi.org/10.3200/JEXE.71
  • Ömeroğlu, A. F. & Onan, B. (2021). Applications for the VARK learning model in grammar teaching the effect on achievement, attitude and permanent learning. International Journal of Turkish Literature Culture Education, 10 (4), 1457-1476.
  • Rolfe A, Cheek B. (2012). Learning styles. InnovAiT, 5 (3), 176-181. https://doi.org/10.1093/innovait/inr239
  • Sokur, E. (2018). Investigation of the effect of project-based teaching on 7th grade students' achievement and conceptual understanding of the environment according to their learning styles (Publication No. 515495) [Master Thesis, Marmara University-İstanbul]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Şaşan, H.H. (2002). Constructivist learning. Education for Life, 74 (75), 49-52.
  • Şener, S., & Çokçalışkan, A. (2018). An investigation between multiple intelligences and learning styles. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 6(2), 125-132. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v6i2.2643
  • Thepsatitporn, S., &Pichitpornchai, C. (2016). Visual event-related potential studies supporting the validity of VARK learning styles' visual and read/write learners. Adv Physiol Educ, 40, 206-212. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00081.2015
  • Usta, İ. (2019). Examination of learning styles of distance learners. Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Journal of Institute of Social Sciences, 4 (1), 371-384. https://doi.org/10.33905/bseusbed.551031
  • Yağışan, N., & Sünbül, A.M. (2009, September 23-25). Learning preferences of fine arts education department students. 8th National Music Education Symposium, Samsun, Türkiye.
  • Yanpar, T. (2012). Öğretim teknolojileri ve materyal tasarımı. Anı Yayıncılık.
  • Yılmaz, Ö. & Tuncer, M. (2020). Dale’in yaşantı konisine göre yapılandırılmış ölçme ve değerlendirme dersinin öğretmen adaylarının akademik başarısına etkisi. Eğitim ve İnsani Bilimler Dergisi: Teori ve Uygulama, 11(21), 39-62.
  • Yeşilyurt, E. (2019). Learning style models: A comprehensive review study in the context of theoretical foundations. OPUS International Journal of Social Research, 14 (20), 2169-2226.https://doi.org/10.26466/opus.603506

Fen bilgisi öğretmen adaylarının VARK öğrenme stillerinin çeşitli değişkenler açısından incelenmesi

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 1 - 17, 25.04.2025
https://doi.org/10.69918/ejte.1565519

Abstract

Project Number

1919B012107105

References

  • Ahmadian, M., & Hosseini, S. (2012). A study of the relationship between Iranian EFL learners’ Multiple Intelligences and their performance on writing. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 3(1), 111-126.
  • Ateş, A., & Altun E. (2008). Learning styles and preferences for students of computer education and instructional technologies. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 30, 1-16.
  • Bahar, H. H., & Sülün, A. (2011). Learning styles of prospective science teachers, gender-learning style relationship and academic achievement according to learning style. Kastamonu Journal of Education, 19 (2), 379-386.
  • Baykan, Z., & Naçar, M. (2007). Learning styles of first-year medical students attending. Adv Physiol Educ, 31, 158-160. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00043.2006
  • Biçer, M. (2010). The relationship between 6th, 7th, 8th grade students' grade levels, gender, academic achievement and course groups and learning styles (Publication No. 263664) [Master thesis, Yıldız Technical University-İstanbul]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Bike, Ö. (2020). Investigation of 7th grade middle school students' attitudes towards STEM education in terms of learning styles (Publication No. 621282) [Master thesis, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University-Rize]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Plano Clark, V., & Ivankova, N. (2016). Karma yöntem araştırması: Alana bir kılavuz . SAGE Publications Inc. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483398341
  • Çoban, H. M. (2019). The effect of analogy-based 5E learning model on the academic achievement ofstudents with different learning styles in the teaching of electrical energy unit (Publication No. 539090) [Master thesis, Adıyaman University-Adıyaman]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Dale, E. (1969). Audiovisual methods in teaching (3rd ed.). Dryden Press
  • Denizoğlu, P. (2008). Evaluation of the relationship between pre-service science teachers' science teaching self-efficacy belief levels, learning styles and attitudes towards science teaching (Publication No. 217183) [Master thesis, Çukurova University-Adana]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Dunn, R. S., & Dunn, K. J. (1993). Teaching secondary students through their individual learning styles: Practical approaches for grades 7-12. Prentice Hall.
  • Düzgün, S. (2018). Validation of VARK learning styles inventory translated into Turkish with confirmatory factor analysis model: The case of teachers. Turkish Studies- Educational Sciences, 13 (11), 1619-1634. http://dx.doi.org/10.7827/TurkishStudies.13442
  • Düzgün, S., & Kaşkaya, A. (2023). Tracing the relationship between pre-service teachers’ learning styles and attitudes toward online learning. International Journal of Educational Research Review, 8 (2), 330-342. https://doi.org/10.24331/ijere.1252058
  • Düzgün, S., & Selçuk, Z. (2018). Evaluation of teachers' eye contact behaviours with students from nonverbal communication skills in terms of some variables. Erciyes Journal of Communication, 5(4),771-795.
  • Erden, M., & Altun, S. (2006). Learning styles. Morpa Culture Publications.
  • Felder, R. M. (1996). Matters of style. ASEE Prism, 6 (4),18-23.
  • Fleming, N. (2012).Teaching and learning styles VARK strategies Retrieved December, 21, 2021, from www.varklearn.comon
  • Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. Basic Books.
  • Güçlü, G. (2020). Investigation of science teacher candidates' learning styles and metacognitive learning strategies (Publication No. 621299) [Master’s thesis, Fırat University-Elazığ]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Güneş, G., & Erkan, S. (2017). Investigation of learning styles of preschool children. Mersin University Journal of Faculty of Education, 13 (1), 13-24. https://doi.org/10.17860/mersinefd.305746
  • Hawk, T. F., & Shah, A. (2007). Using learning style instruments to enhance student learning. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education, 5 (1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4609.2007.00125.x
  • Husmann, P. R., & O'Loughlin, V.D. (2019). Another nail in the coffin for learning styles? Disparities among undergraduate anatomy students’ study strategies, class performance, and reported. VARK learning styles. Anat Sci Educ, 12, 6-19.https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.1777
  • İpekşen, S. (2019). Examining the relationships between 21st century learner skills and learning styles, learning styles and multiple intelligence areas of pre-service science teachers (Publication No. 578159) [Master’s thesis, Kütahya Dumlupınar University-Kütahya]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Kalkan, M. (2008). Learning preferences and problem-based discussion sessions: a study with Turkish university maritime students. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 36 (10),1295-1302.https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2008.36.10.1295
  • Karabörklü Argut, S., Mustafaoğlu, R., Kuş, G., Razak Özdinçler, A. (2017). Determination of learning style preferences in students at the faculty of health sciences. Clin Exp Health Sci, https://doi.org/10.5152/clinexphealthsci.2017.299
  • Katırcı Kırmacı, Z.İ, Otay Lüle, N., Aktaş, B., Arı Yılmaz, D., Günel Karadeniz, P., Erel, S., Adıgüzel, H., Ergen, H.İ., Uzun, M., Yıldızlı, M., & Ergun, N. (2019). Determination of learning preferences of SANKO University faculty of medicine and faculty of health sciences students with VARK questionnaire. Journal of Education in Health Sciences, 1(1), 21-28.
  • Klein, P.D. (2003). Rethinking the multiplicity of cognitive resources and curricular representations: Alternatives to “learning styles” and “multiple intelligences”. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 35(1), 45-81. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220270210141891
  • Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development (1st ed.). Prentice-Hall.
  • Koçak Büyükdere, A. (2018). Analysing the learning styles of dentistry faculty students with two different methods. Journal of Atatürk University Faculty of Dentistry, 28 (3),371-376.
  • Köse, A. (2010). The relationship between science teacher candidates' learning styles, course study strategies and science teaching self-efficacy beliefs (ÇOMÜ sample) (Publication No. 312965) [Master Thesis, Onsekiz Mart University-Çanakkale]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Kurgun, H., & Işıldar, P. (2016). Investigation of the learning styles of tourism and hospitality students using KOLB and VARK learning style models. Journal of Qafqaz UniversityEconomics and Administration, 4 (2), 130-141.
  • Leite, W. L., Svinicki, M., & Shi, Y. (2010). Attempted validation of the scores of the VARK: Learning styles inventory with multitrait-multimethod confirmatory factor analysis models. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 70 (2), 323-339. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013164409344507
  • Marcy, V. (2001). Adult learning styles: How the VARK learning style inventory can be used to improve student learning. Perspective on Physician Assistant Education, 12 (2), 117-120. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01367895-200107000-00007
  • McMahon, S. D., Rose, D. S., & Parks, M. (2004). Multiple intelligences and reading achievement: An examination of the Teele inventory of multiple intelligences. The Journal of Experimental Education, 73(1), 41-52. https://doi.org/10.3200/JEXE.71
  • Ömeroğlu, A. F. & Onan, B. (2021). Applications for the VARK learning model in grammar teaching the effect on achievement, attitude and permanent learning. International Journal of Turkish Literature Culture Education, 10 (4), 1457-1476.
  • Rolfe A, Cheek B. (2012). Learning styles. InnovAiT, 5 (3), 176-181. https://doi.org/10.1093/innovait/inr239
  • Sokur, E. (2018). Investigation of the effect of project-based teaching on 7th grade students' achievement and conceptual understanding of the environment according to their learning styles (Publication No. 515495) [Master Thesis, Marmara University-İstanbul]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
  • Şaşan, H.H. (2002). Constructivist learning. Education for Life, 74 (75), 49-52.
  • Şener, S., & Çokçalışkan, A. (2018). An investigation between multiple intelligences and learning styles. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 6(2), 125-132. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v6i2.2643
  • Thepsatitporn, S., &Pichitpornchai, C. (2016). Visual event-related potential studies supporting the validity of VARK learning styles' visual and read/write learners. Adv Physiol Educ, 40, 206-212. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00081.2015
  • Usta, İ. (2019). Examination of learning styles of distance learners. Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Journal of Institute of Social Sciences, 4 (1), 371-384. https://doi.org/10.33905/bseusbed.551031
  • Yağışan, N., & Sünbül, A.M. (2009, September 23-25). Learning preferences of fine arts education department students. 8th National Music Education Symposium, Samsun, Türkiye.
  • Yanpar, T. (2012). Öğretim teknolojileri ve materyal tasarımı. Anı Yayıncılık.
  • Yılmaz, Ö. & Tuncer, M. (2020). Dale’in yaşantı konisine göre yapılandırılmış ölçme ve değerlendirme dersinin öğretmen adaylarının akademik başarısına etkisi. Eğitim ve İnsani Bilimler Dergisi: Teori ve Uygulama, 11(21), 39-62.
  • Yeşilyurt, E. (2019). Learning style models: A comprehensive review study in the context of theoretical foundations. OPUS International Journal of Social Research, 14 (20), 2169-2226.https://doi.org/10.26466/opus.603506
There are 45 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Science Education
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Seda Okumuş 0000-0001-6271-8278

Melek Sarp 0009-0000-3375-9150

Project Number 1919B012107105
Submission Date October 14, 2024
Acceptance Date December 4, 2024
Early Pub Date April 18, 2025
Publication Date April 25, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 6 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Okumuş, S., & Sarp, M. (2025). Investigation of VARK learning styles of pre-service science teachers in terms of various variables. Eurasian Journal of Teacher Education, 6(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.69918/ejte.1565519

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