Three Resources for Learning Style Tests for Students

A powerful strategy in any teacher’s toolbox is a learning style test for students. While some may consider this type of test to be a distraction from the core content teachers must cover with their students, it appears that figuring out the preferred learning style of your students can help teachers plan learning activities that have a greater chance of engaging students academically. For students, knowing their preferred learning style can be quite empowering and can make learning feel a bit easier to those who struggle.

When researching different learning style tests to try, teachers should consider whether they want students to be able to take the test online or if they need a printable test for whole class administration. Remember that these tests should not be used as part of an official evaluation unless administered by a trained evaluator.

Learning style tests for elementary school students

School Family: School Family’s test is designed to be administered online, but can be printed out given to a whole class of students by simply reading each question aloud. Then, students can tally their results immediately following the test and participate in a mini-lesson about the differences and similarities of the dominant learning styles in the class.

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Scholastic: Scholastic’s learning style quiz is intended for parents to complete with their young children, so this could be a great assignment to involve parents and families in their child’s learning. Simply send home a slip with the URL, and ask parents to complete the test at home with their children.

If teachers are in a community where families are less likely to have computer access at home, consider printing out this learning style inventory from the New Jersey Education Association, which asks parents and children to answer a 24 question inventory about their behaviors and interests both in and outside of school.

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Qualls Early Learning Inventory: For a more formalized assessment of individual students in your elementary class, teachers might consider working with other school professionals to help purchase and administer the Qualls Early Learning Inventory. The QELI provides data on six key learning areas for students in grades pre-K through 1st grade in just 5-10 minutes of testing per student.

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Learning style tests for middle school students

Middle school students typically love independent computer work, and both Accelerated Learning and Edutopia offer thorough, engaging online tests for students. If teachers have a few workstations in the classroom, they could set students up in a rotation of small group work, independent reading, and learning style testing at the computers until all students have completed their test and printed their results. Middle school students are developmentally primed to enjoy learning about themselves, and are more capable than Elementary school students to use their new-found self-knowledge to find new approaches to difficult academic tasks.

Learning style tests for high school students

High school students can handle longer, more specific learning style tests since they have tend to have a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses as a student. MyLearningStyle offers several different inventories of approximately 30 questions each, which can give both students and teachers key data to help with instructional decision-making. Many of the online inventories for middle school students will also be appropriate for high school students. These surveys can be useful as students begin to consider colleges, majors, and even future careers.

Empowering students with information about their preferred learning style can make a huge difference in the quality of their independent work. administering a learning style test for students can also provide valuable information to help teachers form instructional groups, differentiate instruction, and help maximize student learning in the classroom.