Different approaches and theoretical models have been developed for Emotional Intelligence. EI links up strongly with concepts of VAK (Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic) which illustrates and measures the range of capabilities people possess, and the fact that everybody has a value.
Background
The VAK concept, theories and methods (initially also referred to as VAKT, for Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic-Tactile) were first developed by psychologists and teaching specialists such as Fernald, Keller, Orton, Gillingham, Stillman and Montessori in the 1920's. The VAK theory is a favorite of the accelerated learning community, and continues to feature - although not nearly as strongly as it should do - in the teaching and education of young people. The Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic learning styles model does not overlay Gardner's multiple intelligences; rather the VAK model provides a different perspective for understanding and explaining a person's preferred or dominant thinking and learning style, and strengths. Gardner's theory is one way of looking at thinking styles; VAK is another.
Everyone has preferences for how information is perceived, organized and processed. Ask yourself these simple questions:
l Do you remember faces rather than names?
l Can you focus if a speaker is talking but not using any visuals?
l Do you find you need to take notes or do something with your hands when you concentrate?
Essentially visual learners learn through what they see, auditory from what they hear and kinesthetic from activity or doing something. While some people can make use of more than one learning style most people have a preference for one style.
The word 'kinesthetic'       describes the sense of using muscular movement - physical sense, in other       words. 'Kinesthesia' and 'kinesthesis' are root words, derived from the Greek     kineo, meaning 'move',     and aisthesis, meaning 'sensation'. 'Kinesthetic' therefore describes a learning style which involves the stimulation of nerves in the body's muscles, joints and tendons. This relates to the colloquial expression 'touchy-feely' ('kineo-aisthesis' = 'move-sensation').
VAK learning styles indicators
Here is a VAK learning style indicator, which can be used as a questionnaire or 'test' to assess your own preferred learning style or styles, or the VAK learning styles of your people. Score each statement and then add the totals for each column to indicate learning style dominance and mix. Your learning style is also a reflection of the type of person you are - how you perceive things and the way you relate to the world. This questionnaire helps you to improve your understanding of yourself and your strengths.
There are no right and wrong answers. The point is that there are types of learning that are right for your own preferred learning style.
You can use this grid as a simple learning style indicator questionnaire - for example score each box out of five or ten and then put the total for each column in the boxes below. The totals will indicate your relative learning style preference and mix.
VAK Learning Styles Explanation
The VAK learning styles model suggests that most people can be divided into one of three preferred styles of learning. These three styles are as follows:
Visual learners
Like to see or observe things including pictures, diagrams, demonstrations, handouts, videos, graphs, the written word, etc. They tend to say "show me" and "I see what you mean." They learn best by seeing, reading, writing, drawing; they like written instructions. Typically they will be unhappy with a presentation where they can't take detailed notes. Some visual learners will take notes even when they have printed materials on the desk in front of them. Visual learners make up around 65% of the population.
Auditory learners
Take in information through listening to the spoken word, to self or others, to sounds and music and noises. They tend to say "tell me" and "I hear what you are saying." They learn best by saying things aloud or repeating words and key points in their heads. They like lectures, debates, discussions, audiotapes, and verbal instructions. They will tend to listen to a lecture, and then take notes afterwards, or rely on printed notes. Often information written down will have little meaning to them until they have heard it. They learn by talking and listening and information does not seem real to them until they have had a chance to discuss it. Auditory learners make up about 30% of the population.
Kinesthetic learners
Like physical experiences - touching, feeling, holding, doing, and MOVING - practical hands-on experiences and physical activities. They tend to say "let me try " and "I know how you feel." They learn best by moving (either small-motor movement such as taking notes or large-motor movement such as walking around the room while thinking), and by touching, doing, practicing, or even imagining an activity being done. The kinesthetic learner has to feel or live the experience in order to learn it. They like hands-on labs, field trips, projects, trial-and-error, and real-life examples. They will learn skills by imitation and practice. It's important to note that learners who are predominantly kinesthetic can appear "slow," because classroom information is normally not presented in a style that suits their learning methods. Kinesthetic learners make up around 5% of the population.
People commonly have a main preferred learning style, but this will be part of a blend of all three. Some people have a very strong preference; other people have a more even mixture of two or, less commonly, three styles.
Learning styles in business
Learning styles can help us ensure that we offer something for everyone, for them to understand and apply that knowledge in a real situation etc. We need to recognize that each of us has different learning preferences and no matter which model we use we need to ensure that we combine a mix of methods and preferences as per need and ability. To help learning be more effective in your organization choose a model... any model that suits well with the objectives of your business house or company. The bottom line is, check that all of your learning interventions have something for all - be it the VAK - Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or the Activist, pragmatist, theorist or reflector preference.
Farjana Quader is Consultant, pro-edge associates.