We all have ways that we prefer to learn. Maybe you like to learn by reading passages, maybe you like to learn by doing, or maybe you enjoy learning by listening to lecture or music or even watching videos on a topic. We all have those ways that we prefer to receive information. For me I prefer to learn by doing and this is how I retain a majority of the information that I come across. It is important to be mindful of the various learning styles and specifically what learning styles that the students in the classroom prefer.
When classroom goals and learning targets are met using a variety of different learning styles more students are going to be reached. Now, this does not go to say that every single lesson needs to include every single learning style. While possible, it would be very time consuming for the teacher and time is something that we do not have a lot of. Reaching the different learning styles is important, however we as educators need to keep ourselves from labeling the students as only being able to learn using that particular style. All students are capable in learning in ways that support and reach all learning styles however they tend to be stronger in one.
Learning style inventories, if anything, can help to ensure that students know and are aware of how they learn so that when they are studying or practicing, they can deepen their personal understanding of the content.
Differentiation has many common conceptions wrapped up with it. Most educators mistake differentiation as being changing content and learning goals for different students. When in its true from differentiation provides different learning activities to reach different learners and learner needs within one classroom. Differentiation also allows for students to be better engaged in learning material because they would be partaking in a wide range of activities instead of doing the same thing every single lesson.
I have attached a link to my personal favorite test for defining ones learning style.
Miss Trone 