A study was conducted to determine if there was a correlation of VARK learning preferences amongst science majors at Delta State University. The VARK Survey assesses what modalities a person prefers when learning – specifically the ways they want to take-in and give-out information. According to the VARK Survey, one can communicate by visual (V), aural (A), reading/writing (R), or kinesthetic (K) modalities. In the 2015-2016 academic year, college students in several science classes were administered two surveys, the VARK Survey, as well as a survey to assess their educational backgrounds and general information. From the gathered data it was evident that science majors at Delta State University preferred the kinesthetic learning modality. Additionally, at least 70% of the participants were shown to be bimodal, that is having a preference for more than one modality. In Fall 2016, the surveys were administered to Organic Chemistry I students along with a pre-test to assess their prior knowledge of Organic Chemistry I material. The results showed that the kinesthetic learning modality was still preferred amongst the surveyed students. The pre-test revealed that all the students possessed approximately the same level of organic chemistry knowledge, assuring that one student did not skew the results of the post-tests. The pre-test will be re-administered at the end of the semester to check for the retention of the material. For Spring 2017, the pre-test was administered in Organic Chemistry II which covered all sophomore organic chemistry material. At the end of the semester another post-test with Organic Chemistry I and II material will be given to check for long and short term retention. We hypothesize that students will better retain the information learned in Organic Chemistry I resulting in higher tests scores for Organic II as compared to previous years. With the use of kinesthetic teaching methods, we anticipate seeing test scores throughout the semester as well as the scores on the standardized final exam increase from previous years due to greater student comprehension. We also expect to see a greater retention of material, and application of the material in later classes.

Implementing preferred VARK learning modalities in organic chemistry

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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