The Learning Connections Inventory (LCI) is an instrument that enables the respondent to manifest the way in which he/she prefers to learn. It is therefore, Not a test but a self-report tool.

The LCI consists of two sections. In the first section there are a number of statements in which respondents have to select an appropriate answer on a 5-point Likert Scale. In the second part, three open-ended questions need to be completed in order to enable the validation of the inventory. Depending on the replies of the respondents, the scores of the four learning patterns are derived.

The LCI is an instrument that has undergone and continues to undergo thorough testing of its structure, reliability and validity. Malta is one of the countries among many others that have participated in the studies aimed at confirming the reliability and validity of this instrument over the years. Based upon studies completed to date and the theoretical base of consistent learning pattern operation, we believe that all forms of the LCI constitute instruments which are reliable for use with children, adolescents and adults.

In Malta, it is recommended that the Learning Connections Inventory is used with students of year 4 upwards, whereas with younger students, observation is more suitable. Before taking the LCI, students need to be adequately prepared so as to reduce the probability of having invalid results. There are three versions of the LCI available for Maltese nationals: Primary, Secondary and Adults, all available in both Maltese and English.

In recent years, a web-based app, the Personal Learning Coach, has been developed whereby respondents can complete the LCI online. The advantages of this web-based app are several. After completing the online LCI, it is automatically validated and a personal profile is generated. Not only does the Personal Learning Coach provide the respondent with a personalised profile, but it also allows for personal inclusions, omissions and adjustments. Once the profile is completed, the Personal Learning Coach provides help in the Task Decoding of activities and assignments, followed by the provision of personalised strategies on how the task can be successfully accomplished. Among other benefits, this web-based App enables educators to obtain access to their students’ scores that can then be used in the intentional grouping of students for cooperative learning tasks.

Educators who have completed the LML training may have access to the Personal Learning Coach to use with their students.

The printed copies of the Learning Connections Inventory and as well asAccess to thePersonal Learning Coach are funded by the National Literacy Agency.

For access to the Personal Learning Coach and/or copies of the printed versions of the Learning Connections Inventory, kindly contact the Let Me Learn Centre.