Learning styles are different ways or preferences to learn. Learning styles are classified in various ways, depending on the source. Three primary learning styles in Abiator's Learning Styles Inventory include visual learning (to learn by seeing), auditory learning (to learn by listening) and tactile/kinesthetic learning (to learn by doing, moving, touching). Other scholars classify learning styles into four different categories: diverging (preference for experiencing and reflecting), assimilating (preferences for reflecting and thinking), converging (preferences for thinking and doing), and accommodating (preferences for doing and experiencing). Another learning style model classifies four dimensions of learning as active/reflective, sensing/intuitive, visual/verbal, sequential/global. Regardless of the classification, everyone learns in various manners through all learning styles, but each person prefers one to the others, whether knowingly or not.
Multiple intelligences are various ways to demonstrate intellect. There are seven major recognized intelligences. People with high visual/spatial intelligence excel at building puzzles, reading and writing, analyzing charts and graphs, constructing, and painting. High verbal/linguistic intelligence is demonstrated through elegant speaking, vivid story-telling, remembering information, and effective teaching. People with high logical/mathematical intelligence excel at problem solving, rationalizing complex concepts, conducting experiments, and working with shapes. High bodily/kinesthetic intelligence is demonstrated through physical coordination, sports, hands-on construction, and acting. People with high musical/rhythmic intelligence excel at singing, playing musical instruments, and composing music. High interpersonal intelligence reveals itself through understanding feelings, good listening, teamwork, building trust and establishing positive relationships. People with high intrapersonal intelligence excel at recognizing their own strengths and weaknesses, evaluating their thinking and reasoning with themselves.
Abiator's Online Learning Styles Inventory contains many assessments, including two learning styles assessments. The first test asks the test-taker to rate a short series of simple statements as seldom, sometimes, or often. Upon submitting the test, a pop-up appears that defines the test-taker's preferred learning style. The second test asks the test-taker to choose statements that apply to them. This test results in a rudimentary bar graph with each of the three learning modalities, the longer bars representing preferred methods of learning. Abiator's Inventory also contains a thinking styles test to determine if the test-taker thinks analytically or globally and a multiple intelligence assessment. Similar to the second learning styles test, both of these tests also ask the test-taker to choose statements that apply to them and present the results as a bar graph.
Several online assessments determine learning styles and multiple intelligences, with several provided by valid and reliable agencies and designed by people with verified credentials. An unknown teacher with no information about themselves on the website developed Abiator's Online Inventory. There is no way to verify the credentials of the test designer. Additionally, the 4 available assessments share and repeat questions, and the resulting bar graphs contain no detail. There are no "x" or" "y axes, no vertical or horizontal scales, no detailed explanation of the results. If the intent is to provide a basic, rudimentary overview for the test-taker to gather a basic level of knowledge about themselves, the Abiator Inventory succeeds. People desiring reliable, valid, proven assessments of their learning styles and intelligences should look elsewhere.