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ERIC Number: EJ803859
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Mar
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 0
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0346-251X
Assessing and Validating a Learning Styles Instrument
DeCapua, Andrea; Wintergerst, Ann C.
System: An International Journal of Educational Technology and Applied Linguistics, v33 n1 p1-16 Mar 2005
How can learning styles best be measured? Reid's (1984) Perceptual Learning Styles Preference Questionnaire has been widely used in ESL/EFL research to investigate learning styles. Previous research revealed concerns with the reliability and validity of the PLSPQ, leading the researchers to devise a new Learning Styles Indicator (LSI), based on the PLSPQ, and tested on different populations. From the results of this testing arose additional concerns regarding the construction of the PLSPQ/LSI statements themselves. How then can learning styles instruments best be validated? Interviews of graduate students in a Master's in TESOL degree program revealed that quantitative means alone are insufficient to ascertain the effectiveness and usefulness of a learning styles instrument, particularly in the case of non-native speakers. A triangular approach utilizing a questionnaire, semi-structured oral interviews, and participant observations presents a fuller picture of instrument validation.
Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A