This document discusses different theories of learning styles, including Myers-Briggs personality types, Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, brain-based learning theory, and locus of control. It provides links to online learning style tests and assessments. The conclusion summarizes that while learning styles are commonly discussed, there is little evidence that they reliably predict student achievement or should dictate instructional methods. More research is still needed to validate learning style theories.

1. +
Learning Styles
INTC 5110
Fall 2010

2. +
What Style AreYou?
 http://www.ldpride.net/learning-style-test.html
 http://www.chaminade.org/inspire/learnstl.htm
 http://www.learning-styles-online.com/inventory/
 http://www.learningstyles.org/
 http://agelesslearner.com/assess/learningstyle.html

3. +Different Theories of Learning
Styles
 Myers-Briggs (http://www2.gsu.edu/~dschjb/wwwmbti.html
)
 Not really a learning styles theory, but a personality test
 Used heavily in business
 Not corroborated in studies that measure achievement

4. +Different Theories of Learning
Styles
 Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
 verbal-linguistic
 musical-rhythmic
 logical-mathematical
 visual-spatial
 bodily-kinesthetic
 intrapersonal
 interpersonal

5. +Different Theories of Learning
Styles
 Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
 Intelligence redefined as:
 a biopsychological potential to process information that can be
activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create
products that are of value in a culture
 Gardner himself has always held that his is a theory about
intelligence, not a prescriptive theory for instruction or learning

6. +Different Theories of Learning
Styles
 Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
 Intelligence redefined as:
 a biopsychological potential to process information that can be
activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create
products that are of value in a culture
 Gardner himself has always held that his is a theory about
intelligence, not a prescriptive theory for instruction or learning.
Also, he states it is not a good idea to try to teach all things to all
intelligences.

7. +Different Theories of Learning
Styles
 Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
 Zero research supporting claims of MI increasing student
achievement
 http://educationnext.org/reframing-the-mind/
 http://educationnext.org/files/ednext20043_18.pdf

8. +Different Theories of Learning
Styles
 Brain based Learning
 Caine and Caine suggested that the structure of the brain is
predictive of how people learn
 http://www.brainconnection.com/topics/?main=fa/brain-
based2
 Again, based loosely on neuroscience, but neuroscience
community does not support extrapolation of its research in this
manner

9. +Different Theories of Learning
Styles
 Locus of Control
 External or Internal
 http://wilderdom.com/psychology/loc/LocusOfControlWhatIs.
html
 Similar issues
 How is it measured?
 Is it stable?
 Does it predict?
 If we change instruction does it help?

10. +
Conclusion
 While learning styles have been touted as very important,
there is little evidence that they are
 More practice than research based
 Little or no evidence in favor of wholesale changes in how we
instruct
 So what do we do with this?