Digest #174: Assessing Learning Strategies

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Digest #174: Assessing Learning Strategies

1) Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ)

The MSLQ is in the public domain and is free to use with acknowledgement to the authors. The MSLQ is divided into several different scales. The Motivation Scales assess Value Components (intrinsic and extrinsic task orientations, task value), Expectancy Components (control beliefs, self-efficacy), and Affective Components (test anxiety). The Learning Strategies Scales assess Cognitive and Metacognitive Strategies (rehearsal, elaboration, organization, critical thinking, self-regulation) and Resource Management Strategies (study environment, effort regulation, peer learning, help seeking).

The MSLQ has been used extensively in research and is a valid and reliable measure, but may not include all of the learning strategies of interest to you as it was published in 1991 (1).

2) Learning Techniques Scale

The Learning Techniques Scale is a bit more modern and also in the public domain. This scale is primarily focused on specific learning strategies that are commonly used by students. Some of the strategies are effective while others have been shown to be ineffective. The Learning Techniques Scale is a bit more comprehensive in terms of study strategies, but does not include the other variables that can impact learning.

The Learning Techniques Scale has not been used as extensively in research studies but the content is thoroughly based in empirical research (2).