Index of Learning Styles (ILS)
by Donald Clark
The Index of Learning Styles is an instrument used to assess preferences on four dimensions (active/reflective, sensing/intuitive, visual/verbal, and sequential/global) of a learning style model formulated by Richard M. Felder and Linda K. Silverman. The instrument is being developed by Barbara A. Soloman and Richard M. Felder of North Carolina State University.
A preliminary version of the ILS was tested, the responses were subjected to factor analysis, and some items that were not providing noticeable discrimination were replaced. The revised Web-based version of the instrument, which was scripted by Benjamin Heard of North Carolina State University, may be accessed by following the directions at the bottom of this page.
Anyone who wishes to use the ILS is welcome to do so. The user should be aware of two important points:
The ILS is still under development and cannot be considered as having been validated. The results provide an indication of an individual's learning preferences and probably an even better indication of the preference profile of a group of students (e.g. a class), but they should not be over-interpreted.
A student's learning style profile provides an indication of probable strengths and possible tendencies or habits that might lead to difficulty in academic settings. The profile does not reflect a student's suitability or unsuitability for a particular subject, discipline, or profession. Labeling students in this way is at best misleading, and can be destructive if the student uses the label as justification for a major shift in curriculum or career goals.
The following items are available for viewing and downloading:
Frequently asked questions. Responses to frequently asked questions about the ILS, including questions about reliability and validity and whether the instrument may be used for research.
ILS questionnaire - Web version. A 44-item questionnaire that can be submitted and automatically scored on the Web.
Descriptions of the learning styles. A four-page handout to be given to students after they have completed either version of the instrument.
"Reaching the Second Tier: Learning and Teaching Styles in College Science Education," J. College Science Teaching, 23(5), 286-290 (1993). An article that explains the learning style preferences and their implications for teaching.
Additional information and references on learning styles.
Richard Felder's home page. Links to Dr. Felder's education-related papers, columns in Chemical Engineering Education, handouts for students, and information about workshops.
Resources
