Mastering the Science of How We Learn
Committed to research that improves teaching and learning for everyone
The Institute for Learning Styles Research is a non-profit focused on making education more effective through real-world evidence. We bridge the gap between how people naturally learn and how they are taught, helping to improve results for students of all backgrounds.
Decades of evidence
A Foundation Built on Real Research
Our work began in the early 1970s with a framework developed by Dr. Russell French at the University of Tennessee. Since then, the Institute for Learning Styles Research has grown through decades of dedicated study. Our methods are supported by more than twenty doctoral dissertations and numerous peer-reviewed studies from major institutions like Auburn University and the University of South Florida.
Beyond simple surveys
Identifying the Seven Ways We Learn
We focus on seven specific pathways through which people take in and remember information: print, aural, interactive, visual, haptic, kinesthetic, and olfactory. Instead of relying on simple surveys about how someone thinks they learn, we use the MMPALT-III. This is a performance-based test that measures actual recall, giving us a clear and objective picture of a person's real cognitive strengths.
From classrooms to the workplace
Real-World Results for Every Environment
Our research applies to far more than just traditional classrooms. It is used in corporate training and lifelong learning programs to make instruction more effective for everyone. By using teaching strategies that match validated data, we help people stay engaged and remember what they have learned. We are dedicated to creating teaching techniques that respect the unique ways every person processes the world around them.
Our Services
Explore the ways we can support your journey toward a better educational experience
Learning Modality Testing
The MMPALT-III is a specialized performance test that evaluates recall across seven perceptual modalities to identify an individual's predominant learning style. Administered by certified professionals, this assessment provides valuable insights into how people of all ages process information through senses such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic interactions.
Educational Research
Our systematic research initiatives examine the intersection of instructional design and cognitive development to foster more effective learning environments. We provide actionable data that helps institutions implement proven strategies for enhancing student engagement and long-term success.
PMPS Assessment
The PMPS survey provides comprehensive insights into individual learning styles to help educators and learners optimize their instructional strategies. By identifying specific sensory preferences, this assessment empowers participants to leverage their natural strengths for improved academic and professional performance.
Explore Our Site
Discover how our specialized PMPS assessments and research analysis empower effective learning.
Dr. Maria Witte
President
Dr. Patricia Clark
Secretary
Dr. Donna Gainer
Research Director
Dr. Kathy Hulley
Membership Director
Dr. Ed Cherry
Treasurer
Improving the Way People Learn Through Better Insight
We use proven research to help you design teaching methods that people actually remember.
The Institute for Learning Styles Research uses the Multi-Modal Paired Associates Learning Test (MMPALT-III) to identify how individuals best process and retain new information. Our assessments are built on years of academic research, providing teachers and trainers with the data they need to match their teaching style to their students' actual learning needs. This approach boosts engagement and results, whether you are working in a classroom or a corporate setting.
INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING STYLES RESEARCH
Maryville Location