Emma Sabransky Self-Assessment of Learning Styles

VARK: Learning Style Preference

Based on my answers to the VARK assessment, I have a mild read/write learning style. My scores from low to high
were 6 for aural, 8 for visual, 9 for kinesthetic, and 15 for read/write. Input strategies for my learning style include
making lists, using headings to organize notes, utilizing textbooks and handouts, completing readings, and looking
over manuals. To study effectively, it is recommended that I read my notes repeatedly, write things over and over
again, and organize diagrams and graphs into statements. I believe these strategies (both input and for studying)
will be very helpful when Im on fieldwork and need to familiarize myself with new assessments or procedures for
that particular setting. The studying strategies in particular will be helpful when reviewing materials from our
courses. Reading over old notes, writing out important things to remember (dermatomes, myotomes, Ranchos
levels, etc.), and skimming through sections of our textbooks will help me prepare for each day in the clinic and
provide further information on topics or diagnoses that I am not as familiar with.

Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire

After completing the questionnaire, my results were: moderate preference for reflective learning (7), strong
preference for sensing learning (9), fairly balanced for visual and verbal learning (3), and moderate preference for
sequential learning (5).

As a reflective learner, I prefer to think through situations first before acting on them, and as part of this, I prefer
to work alone. Unfortunately, in clinical situations, these habits could be a potential problem area for me. As we
have learned, OTs need to be able to think on their feet sometimes you only have a few minutes to make
adjustments to your plans before having to act on them. This is definitely an area of growth for me and something
that I should work on before going to Level II Fieldwork. Additionally, as some clinical settings are more fast paced
than others, I may not have a lot of time to think about new information while working. To compensate for this, I
will have to use my time at home each night to review what was done that day, read through textbooks, notes, or
articles, and formulate any questions to bring to my CI the following day. Similar to my preference for reflecting is
my preference for sequential learning. When learning new material, I gain my understanding in linear, logical steps
versus jumping around and seeing the big picture. Where I may struggle on fieldwork is with a CI who skips steps in
explanations or jumps to and from different topics. In order for me to understand and follow what is being said, I
will either have to ask my CI to fill in the gaps or fill them in myself when I get home at night which will require me
to use my various resources (textbooks, notes, etc.). When reviewing this information, it will be helpful to employ
strategies that are beneficial to visual learners. While my results indicate that I am fairly balanced between visual
and verbal, I know that visual is still the most effective way for me to learn. This means that when I am studying, I
should use diagrams, pictures, flow charts, videos, or other visual representations of information to fully
understand the material. Because I know this before beginning fieldwork, I will be able to focus less on how to
study/review and more on what needs to be reviewed. Additionally, this helps me know that any resources I bring
into the clinic with me should be visually-based rather than written in order to help me recall and integrate the
information faster. Finally, my strong preference for sensing learning indicates that I like to learn facts, use well-
established methods when problem-solving, and work in a practical manner. While I agree with these aspects, I
also believe they are too confining for me. I prefer using methods that are proven to work when solving problems,
however, I pride myself on being creative and flexible when a certain way/method isnt working. As I complete
fieldwork, I think it will be important for me find a balance between sensing and intuitive learning. If I become too
focused on sensing, I may rely too much on familiar methods versus innovative thinking. Being able to function in
both ways will allow me to think outside the box while maintaining my attention to detail and facts.

Teaching Style Survey

Overall, my results from the teaching style survey indicate that I like to receive (and would provide) a variety of
teaching strategies. I rated high in all categories with specific scores as follows: expert (4), formal authority (4.25),
personal model (3.875), facilitator (4.125), and delegator (3.5). Because I rated high in all categories, when it
Emma Sabransky Self-Assessment of Learning Styles

comes to fieldwork, I believe I will be able to work with a clinical instructor who exhibits any one of the above
teaching styles. While some styles may take a little longer to adjust to, I think that with a strong understanding of
my learning styles, Ill be able to adapt to his or her preferred method of teaching. My preferences also indicate
that as I move throughout fieldwork, it would be best to have a CI who utilizes the formal authority style followed
by facilitator and finally delegator. This goes hand-in-hand with the supervision styles we discussed in class and
makes me hopeful that the transitions between different teaching/supervision styles will be smooth.