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Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Problem-Solving Before Instruction PS-I: A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
Styles of Learning and Thinking Matter in Instruction and Assessment
Robert J Sternberg1, Elena L Grigorenko2, Li-Fang Zhang3
1Tufts University Robert.Sternberg@tufts.edu.
Abstract:
There are two styles of learning and thinking: ability based and personality based. The former are assessed by maximum-performance tests, and the latter are assessed by typical-performance tests. We argue that both kinds of styles matter for instruction and assessment in school. In particular, shaping lessons based on an awareness that people learn and think in different ways can lead to improved instructional outcomes. We describe one ability-based theory and one personality-based theory and present supporting data from multiple studies relevant to each.
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