The cranial system is a complex system within the human body, as it is tied to every

movement and function in some way shape or form. Everyones brain is different, we all learn
different subjects and topics in a variety of ways. There is a website where you can get insight on
your personal learning style this website is called VARK, the specific reason it was created was
to allow you to understand how effective each learning style is for you as an individual. VARK
stands for visual, aural, read and write, and kinesthetic. (VARK Learn Limited, 2016)
Upon completion of the VARK questionnaire, I received my results. The result explained
that I am a multimodal (VK) learner. I learn best visually and kinesthetically. My total score was
27 out of a possible 40. My highest scores were 9 out of 10 in visual, and 10 out of 10 in
kinesthetic. This report did not surprise me as I do learn best by trial and error, charts, graphs,
pictures and highlighting information with different colors. This experience was definitely eye
opening, it allowed me to gain better insights on how the brain functions to learn, remember and
recall information. Understanding all of the specific regions involved in specific learning styles
is incredibly important.
The primary visual cortex receives signals in the posterior region of the occipital lobe.
The inferior olivary nucleus is a relay center for visual and kinesthetic signals to the cerebellum.
The pons is important in eye movement and hearing due to cranial nerves VI and VIII. The
midbrain assists in visual learning due to cranial nerves IIII (trochlear) and III (oculomotor). The
cerebellum allows for 3D views, which assist in visual learning. Planning, scheduling and focus
are products of the cerebellum functions as well, which promote learning and can enhance the
ease of learning. Clinical findings of smaller cerebrum volume in those with ADHD Total
cerebral volume is smaller in individuals with ADHD and in controls (Kytja K. S. Voeller,
2004).
The Thalamus has important roles involved in memory in the complex temporal and
frontal lobes, all information passes through the thalamus via synapses. The relay of visual
signals comes from the posterior group if thalamic nuclei. While the anterior group of thalamic
nuclei are responsible for memory and emotion signals. There are wo areas are important to
recognition and transmission of language, which in turn makes them important to learning. The
Wernicke area is posterior to the lateral sulcus, and usually found in the left hemisphere. This
area is important in the recognition of spoken and written language. Whereas the broca area is
important and plays an important role in the transmission of language.
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, it deals with so many functions of the
human body. These important areas are helpful when learning and studying they assist or
complete sensory perception, memory, thought, judgement and voluntary motor actions. The
frontal lobe is pertinent in planning, memory and motivation. The parietal lobe assists with some
visual information, whereas the occipital lobe is the primary visual center. The temporal lobe is
key for some vision, but it is mainly hearing, learning, memory and even some emotions too. The
insula helps understanding spoken language. Amnesia would be detrimental to learning, as
anterograde amnesia is where you are unable to store new information, so learning new things
would be impossible.

The brain is an amazing center, it provides so much to our bodies and is so complex that
it can be mesmerizing to learn how things work within the brain. Learning about the brain seems
like an endless topic to learn about, although extremely interesting. Getting specific results to my
personal learning style is important to success in school. I knew that I was a visual learner but I
did not consider the kinesthetic portion of my learning. Strategies to improve my learning style
would be using colorful highlighters to separate important information, trial and error, charts,
labs and field trips. I have always learned better in courses where the teachers were able to give
pictures, graphs and additional visual aids to assist in the learning. The hardest part of learning
for me has always been absorbing information during lectures, I absorb more if I have something
to look at to depict the lecture or topic.
VARK is a great tool and resource for teachers and students who need to know personal
learning styles. Now, knowing the structures of the brain it is easier to comprehend how so many
people learn completely different ways. Using this tool can definitely expound ones self-study
tactics, and benefit them in the long run.

Works Cited
Kytja K. S. Voeller, M. (2004, October 19). Medscape. Retrieved from Journal of Child
Neurology : http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/495640_2
Saladin, K. S. (2014). Anatomy & Physiology: the Unity of Form and Function (7th ed.). New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
VARK Learn Limited. (2016). VARK Questionnaire version 7.1. Retrieved from How Do I Learn
Best?: http://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/