Evidências de validade para uma medida de estilos de aprendizagem

Abstract

This study aimed at obtaining validity evidence for a learning style scale and at analyzing student’s learning styles. The study included 709 students from professional technical education. We used a Scale of Learning Styles, with 80 items for the description of the preferred styles, and evaluated five dimensions, namely: environmental, social, instrumental, personal, and activity conditions. We applied the test collectively on the day and time set by each educational institution. A factor analysis with varimax rotation indicated three-factor structure for the scale. The factors were grouped as follows: factor 1 – personal terms and conditions of activity, with 16 items (? = 0,78); factor 2 – environmental conditions, with 11 items (? = 0,79); factor 3 – social conditions, with 11 items (? = 0,81). Overall, we observed that the students were more personal conditions and activity style-oriented. A scale that can map students’ learning styles is relevant to Brazilian education because it allows students to know their learning preferences and can provide them with better learning conditions. Keywords: styles; learning styles; cognitive styles; psychological assessment; high school coach.