Find my Math Study Type
Math Learning Styles and Cognitive Preferences Indicator (MLSCPI) Survey
Find My Math Learning Styles Interpreting MLSCPI Survey Results
The Math Learning Styles and Cognitive Preferences Indicator (MLSCPI) survey reveals individual preferences across multiple dimensions of learning. This appendix provides guidelines for interpreting the results and applying them to tailor math instruction based on each student's learning preferences.
What It
Measures:
This category evaluates how students prefer to receive information when
learning math.
- Visual Learners: Excel with visual representations such as diagrams, graphs, and videos. Instruction should prioritize charts, geometry models, and visual explanations of concepts.
- Auditory Learners: Respond better to verbal explanations, lectures, and discussions. These students benefit from group discussions, podcasts, and auditory feedback.
- Read/Write Learners: Learn best by reading and writing; prefer written instructions and textbooks. Use study guides, written explanations, and journaling activities to engage these learners.
- Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners: Need hands-on interaction to grasp concepts. Use manipulatives, physical models, or interactive digital tools to demonstrate math concepts.
Example:
A visual learner might understand the Pythagorean theorem better through a
diagram showing the relationship between the sides of a triangle, whereas a
kinesthetic learner may grasp the concept by physically constructing the
triangle.
What It
Measures:
This section explores how students process and sequence information when
solving math problems.
- Sequential Learners: Prefer a step-by-step approach to problem-solving. Instruction should break down complex problems into smaller, linear tasks.
- Global Learners: Prefer to understand the overall concept before diving into the details. These learners excel when given the big picture first, followed by examples and real-world applications.
Example:
A sequential learner will prefer working through a calculus problem
step-by-step, whereas a global learner may first want to understand how
calculus applies to physics or engineering before attempting problems.
What It
Measures:
This dimension identifies how students prefer to engage with learning
tasks—independently or collaboratively.
- Independent Learners: Prefer working alone and need minimal external input. These students thrive with independent study, self-paced materials, and quiet environments.
- Collaborative Learners: Prefer group work and learning through social interaction. Peer discussions, study groups, and cooperative learning projects work well for these students.
Example:
An independent learner may prefer solving math problems alone, while a
collaborative learner might thrive during group problem-solving exercises or
class discussions.
What It
Measures:
This section evaluates what drives students to learn—either external rewards or
internal curiosity.
- Extrinsic Learners: Motivated by external factors like grades, rewards, or recognition. They perform best with clear goals and structured feedback.
- Intrinsic Learners: Driven by internal curiosity and a desire to understand the material. They need opportunities for self-driven exploration and open-ended tasks that foster curiosity.
Example:
An extrinsically motivated learner may work hard to earn a high grade on a math
test, while an intrinsically motivated learner may dive into math simply out of
a desire to solve challenging problems.
What It
Measures:
This section assesses whether students are comfortable adapting to different
learning methods or prefer a specialized approach.
- Adaptable Learners: Comfortable switching between different learning formats. They thrive in varied environments and benefit from multimedia tools (videos, simulations, text).
- Specialized Learners: Prefer consistency and thrive when using a single learning method. They benefit from repeated use of one format, such as purely visual or auditory resources.
Example:
An adaptable learner might engage equally well with both hands-on activities
and visual aids, while a specialized learner may struggle when required to
switch formats.
What It
Measures:
This dimension evaluates how students best express their understanding of math
concepts.
- Verbal/Oral Learners: Prefer discussing their ideas aloud. Oral exams, discussions, and group work benefit these learners.
- Written/Diagrammatic Learners: Prefer writing or drawing to explain their understanding. Written assignments, diagrams, and essay questions work well for these students.
- Kinesthetic Learners: Prefer to express their understanding through physical action. These learners excel in hands-on demonstrations or using tools like math manipulatives.
- Musical-Rhythmic Learners: Learn well through patterns, rhythms, or music. Math activities that involve recognizing patterns or relating concepts to rhythm can engage these learners.
Example:
A verbal learner might enjoy explaining a solution to their classmates, while a
kinesthetic learner might prefer to demonstrate it using physical objects or
models.
What It
Measures:
This section evaluates whether students prefer immediate or delayed feedback on
their work.
- Immediate Feedback Learners: Prefer real-time corrections and guidance. Interactive quizzes, in-class feedback, and digital platforms with instant results work well for these learners.
- Delayed Feedback Learners: Prefer reflecting on their work before receiving feedback. Written feedback after assignments or peer evaluations may be more beneficial.
Example:
A student who prefers immediate feedback might benefit from real-time online
quizzes, while a delayed feedback learner might prefer written feedback after
they've had time to process their solutions.
What It
Measures:
This section assesses how students handle challenges and their preference for
support in learning.
- Challenge-Oriented Learners: Thrive on difficult problems that push them beyond their current level. Enrichment activities, puzzles, and advanced math problems are ideal for these learners.
- Support-Oriented Learners: Prefer structured guidance and breaking down problems into manageable steps. Scaffolding, guided practice, and tutoring support are key for their success.
Example:
A challenge-oriented learner may enjoy tackling advanced math competitions,
while a support-oriented learner may prefer working through problems with
guided assistance from a teacher.
What It
Measures:
This section examines whether students prefer a flexible or consistent learning
environment.
- Flexible Learners: Comfortable with changing environments and can switch between digital and face-to-face learning. These students excel in hybrid or varied learning formats.
- Consistent Learners: Prefer stable and predictable environments. They perform best when the learning format remains the same throughout a course.
Example:
A flexible learner may enjoy a mix of online learning and in-person tutoring,
while a consistent learner might find hybrid environments overwhelming and
prefer a consistent format.
What It
Measures:
This section explores students' thinking styles in problem-solving.
- Logical-Mathematical Thinkers: Prefer reasoning, pattern recognition, and logic-based problem-solving. They excel in structured math topics like algebra and calculus.
- Verbal-Linguistic Thinkers: Prefer to express their understanding through language. These students excel when given the opportunity to explain their reasoning through essays or verbal explanations.
- Visual-Spatial Thinkers: Prefer to visualize problems and concepts. They excel in subjects like geometry and benefit from graphs, diagrams, and spatial reasoning tasks.
Example:
A visual-spatial thinker may excel in geometry, using visual tools to
understand shapes and spatial relationships, while a logical-mathematical
thinker might prefer algebraic reasoning.
Conclusion
Interpreting the MLSCPI survey allows educators to personalize instruction for each student based on their cognitive preferences. Whether they prefer learning visually, working collaboratively, or solving challenges independently, the MLSCPI framework helps teachers tailor math lessons to maximize engagement and success.
