Collection of Learning Styles Tests and Inventories

What is learning? Do we learn in different ways? Can we put a name on the way we learn? What's your learning style?

Those are questions teachers have asked for a long time, and the answers vary depending on who you ask. People are still, and probably always will be, divided on the subject of learning styles. Whether or not you believe the theory of learning styles is valid, it's difficult to resist the allure of learning style inventories, or assessments. They come in a variety of styles themselves and measure a variety of preferences.

There are lots of tests out there. We gathered a few to get you started. Have fun.

01
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VARK

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VARK stands for Visual, Aural, Read-Write, and Kinesthetic. Neil Fleming designed this learning styles inventory and teaches workshops on it. At vark-learn.com, he offers a questionnaire, "helpsheets," info in many different languages on how to use VARK, VARK products, and more.

02
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North Carolina State University Inventory

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This is a 44-question inventory offered by Barbara A. Soloman of the First-Year College and Richard M. Felder of the Department of Chemical Engineering at North Carolina State University.

The results of this test score your tendencies in the following areas:

  • Active vs. Reflective learners
  • Sensing vs. Intuitive learners
  • Visual vs. Verbal learners
  • Sequential vs. Global learners

In each section, suggestions are made for how learners can help themselves based on how they scored.

03
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Paragon Learning Style Inventory

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The Paragon Learning Style Inventory comes from Dr. John Shindler at California State University, Los Angeles and Dr. Harrison Yang at State University of New York at Oswego. It uses the four Jungian dimensions (introversion/extroversion, intuition/sensation, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving) used by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Murphy Meisgeir Type Indicator, and the Keirsey-Bates Temperament Sorter.

This test has 48 questions, and the authors provide a ton of supporting information about the test, the scoring, and each of the scoring combinations, including examples of famous people with each dimension and groups that support that dimension.

This is a fascinating site.

04
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What Is Your Learning Style?

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Marcia Connor offers a free learning style assessment on her website, including a printer-friendly version. It's from her 2004 book, Learn More Now and measures whether you are a visual, auditory, or tactile/kinesthetic learner.

Connor offers learning suggestions for each style, as well as other assessments:

05
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Grasha-Riechmann Student Learning Style Scales

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The Grasha-Riechmann Student Learning Style Scales, from Cuesta College in the San Luis Obispo Community College District, measures, with 66 questions, whether your learning style is:

  • Independent
  • Avoidant
  • Collaborative
  • Dependent
  • Competitive
  • Participant

The inventory includes a description of each learning style.

06
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Learning-Styles-Online.com

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Learning-Styles-Online.com offers a 70-question inventory that measures the following styles:

  • visual-spatial (images, maps, colors, shapes; whiteboards are good for you!)
  • aural-auditory (sound, music; performance industries are good for you)
  • verbal-linguistic (the written and spoken word; public speaking and writing are good for you)
  • physical-bodily-kinesthetic (touch, body sense; sports and physical work are good for you)
  • logical-mathematical (logic and mathematical reasoning; the sciences are good for you)
  • social-interpersonal (communication, feelings; counseling, training, sales, human resources and coaching are good for you)
  • solitary-intrapersonal (privacy, introspection, independence; writing, security, and nature are good for you)

They say more than 1 million people have completed the test. You must register with the site upon completion of the test.

The site also offers brain training games focused on memory, attention, focus, speed, language, spatial reasoning, problem solving, fluid intelligence, stress, and reaction time.

07
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The RHETI Enneagram Test

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The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI) is a scientifically validated forced-choice personality test with 144 paired statements. The test costs $10, but there is a free sample online. You have the option of taking the test online or in booklet form, and a full description of your top three scores is included.

The test measures your basic personality type:

  • Reformer
  • Helper
  • Achiever
  • Individualist
  • Investigator
  • Loyalist
  • Enthusiast
  • Challenger
  • Peacemaker

Other factors are also measured. This is a complex test with lots of information. Well worth $10.

08
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LearningRx

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LearningRx calls its network of offices "brain training centers." It's owned by teachers, education professionals, and business owners who are passionate about education. You have to schedule the learning style test in one of their centers.

Training based on the results of the inventory is customized for the specific learner.

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Peterson, Deb. "Collection of Learning Styles Tests and Inventories." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/learning-styles-tests-and-inventories-31468. Peterson, Deb. (2023, April 5). Collection of Learning Styles Tests and Inventories. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/learning-styles-tests-and-inventories-31468 Peterson, Deb. "Collection of Learning Styles Tests and Inventories." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/learning-styles-tests-and-inventories-31468 (accessed March 28, 2024).