Skip to main content

School Motivation and Learning Strategies Inventory

The School Motivation and Learning Strategies Inventory (SMALSI; Stroud & Reynolds, 2006) is a self-report inventory that measures 10 areas related to success in learning, learning-related motivation, and study habits. Three forms are available: The Child Form (147 items) is for students 8–12 years; the Teen Form (170 items) is for 13–18 year olds); and the new College Form (164 items) is for college students at all levels.

Available from WPS

Overview

The School Motivation and Learning Strategies Inventory (SMALSI; Stroud & Reynolds, 2006) is a self-report inventory that measures 10 areas related to success in learning, learning-related motivation, and study habits. The target of this measure is learning strategies that lead to student success or failure rather than the identification of learning styles. Seven areas of student strength are measured: study strategies, note-taking/listening skills, reading/comprehension strategies, writing/research skills, test-taking strategies, organizational techniques, and time management. Three additional areas of student liability are also measured: low academic motivation, test anxiety, and concentration/attention difficulties. Three forms are available: The Child Form (147 items) is for students 8–12 years; the Teen Form (170 items) is for 13–18 year olds); and the new College Form (164 items) is for college students at all levels. The College Form can be purchased separately. The SMALSI is written on a third-grade reading level, but the Child and Teen Forms may be presented in an audio format for students who are unable to read the items. Items are answered on a 4-point response scale. Scoring through the WPS Online Evaluation System is available. The SMALSI is also available in Danish, Japanese, and Romanian.

Summary

Age: 8–18 years for Child and Teen version; Freshman to Graduate Level for College version

Time to Administer: 20-30 minutes

Method of Administration: Individually- administered, norm-referenced self-report measure of individual learning strategies, academic motivation, and study habits; Child, Teen, and College versions available
Yields T scores (M = 50, SD = 10), percentile ranks, inconsistent responding (validity) index

Subscales: Strength Subscales Study Strategies; Note-Taking/ Listening Skills; Reading/ Comprehension Skills; Writing/Research Skills; Test-Taking Strategies; Organizational Techniques; Time Management
Liability Subscales: Low Academic Motivation; Test Anxiety; Concentration/Attention Difficulties

Autism Related Research

None found.