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This captures how learners prefer to process, perceive, receive, and understand new information. Use the official survey mode to gather accurate styles in minutes, then adapt onboarding, coaching, and AI copilots without abandoning your current design language.
Please use this diagnostic tool as a reference for exploring learning preferences. Learning styles are not fixed, and we recommend trying various learning methods. Use this as a starting point for diversifying learning strategies, not limiting personal learning abilities.
Created for educators and learners
Trusted by 7+ organizations and 10,000+ students
Universities, bootcamps, and independent learning communities profile preferences before onboarding and tailored tutoring.
Scientific Approach to Learning Styles
Balanced view of learning science and personalization
FSLSM gives language for learner preferences, while modern educational research reminds us to combine those insights with high-impact strategies and adaptive technology.
Felder-Silverman Learning Style Model
FSLSM, developed in 1988 by Richard Felder and Linda Silverman, classifies learner preferences across four categories. The instrument is used ~100,000 times a year and has been validated repeatedly. [Litzinger et al., 2007; Zywno, 2003]
Evidence cautions against rigid matching
Meta-analyses show limited gains when instruction is matched strictly to learning style (effect size d = 0.04). Offering varied modalities acknowledges differences without reinforcing stereotypes. [Pashler et al., 2008; Willingham et al., 2015]
Modern systems focus on performance
Adaptive platforms now personalize based on demonstrated mastery and behavioral data, not just style preferences. This leads to higher persistence and better outcomes. [Carnegie Learning, 2024; Coursera, 2024]
Pair FSLSM insights with proven methods
Techniques such as spaced repetition (d = 0.7), interleaving (d = 0.5), and elaborative interrogation outperform pure style matching, so this platform bakes them into every plan. [Dunlosky et al., 2013; Rohrer & Pashler, 2010]
Introduction
FSLSM Survey Steps
The FSLSM site walks respondents through four simple steps. Keep the wording familiar so visitors feel confident they are using the authentic questionnaire.
Tip
Include a printable scoring sheet or link to the reference PDF so instructors can tally results offline.
Access through online or print
FSLSM is available as a digital form or printable PDF.
Answer 44 items in total
Each prompt lists two statements. Select the option that best reflects how you usually learn, even if both feel partly true.
Score every category
Group answers into the four categories to calculate preference values ranging from -11 to +11.
Interpret intensity and plan
Use the magnitude to classify preference strength. Pair the results with tutoring plans, course design, or AI prompts.
Ways to use the results
Learner self-awareness
Equip learners with terminology for their preferences so they can ask for matching study strategies and balanced instruction.
Course and curriculum design
Audit lessons for a healthy mix of experimentation, reflection, factual grounding, and conceptual exploration.
Instructional coaching
Brief tutors before sessions so they can switch between visuals, dialogue, sequential steps, or global context on demand.
Assessment planning
Offer multiple demonstration formats - labs, diagrams, essays - so learners can show mastery in their preferred mode.
AI tutoring copilots
Feed FSLSM scores into prompts so copilots know when to lead with visuals, exercises, or reflections.
Program analytics
Track aggregate preference trends to decide which materials or facilitator skills to reinforce.
Ready to be tailored?
Plug the survey into your tutoring stack with no pain.