Translation and Psychometric Assessment of the Math-Specific Learning Styles Preference Inventory

Abstract

Introduction

The researcher’s experience as a mathematics educator at various levels has shown her that the preferred learning styles and strategies of secondary school students are not considered in the learning of mathematics. However, after a thorough review of the literature, the researcher was not able to find any Math-specific learning styles inventory in the Filipino language. Thus, this study primarily aimed to translate and test the psychometric properties of the Math-Specific Learning Styles Preference Inventory developed by Dr. Cynthia A. Arem. A methodological research design was utilized in this research undertaking.

Methods

A total of 250 Grade 7 students from Camba High School, Arayat, Pampanga voluntarily participated in the study through convenience sampling. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 in determining the validity and reliability of the translated tool.

Results

The examination of variance revealed that the three-factor solution explained 26.34%. Factor loadings were fairly high ranging from .421 to .775 and the Cronbach's alpha for the Filipino-version of the inventory was .701. Therefore, the Math-Specific Learning Styles Preference Inventory–Filipino version demonstrated satisfactory evidence of validity and reliability. Thus, this inventory can be used in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating preferred learning styles in Mathematics.

Discussions

Students should be encouraged to use their preferred learning styles to understand Mathematics. Grade 7 students in Camba High School may not truly represent the general student population in the Philippines. Further testing of the psychometric properties and test-retest reliability of the Math-Specific Learning Styles Preference Inventory Filipino version may be done using a large random sample in different parts of the country and future researchers may also want to test the reliability of the Math-Specific Learning Styles Preference Inventory Filipino version using other grade levels to find the most appropriate learning styles of their students in Mathematics. Future researchers may want to develop a Math-Specific Learning Styles Preference Inventory considering Gardner's multiple intelligence theory since the current inventory focused only on three learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).