Multiple Intelligence Theory
Visual, Musical, Linguistic Learners See the World in Different Ways
Learning differences, not disabilities, may explain why we understand some things better than others.
There are as many different ways to learn as there are children to teach, and one of the major challenges facing parents, educators and parent-educators is understanding those individual learning styles. In the recent past, education was perceived as a one size fits all endeavor. Those who didn’t fit the learning mold fell behind, and sometimes never caught up. Sometimes, that still happens today.
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
Fortunately, there’s a growing cognizance that those who can’t keep up may not necessarily be academically challenged, but may, instead, simply learn differently. At the forefront of understanding learning differences is Harvard Professor Howard Gardner, who developed the theory of “Multiple Intelligences,” [Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic,1983].
Gardner distills intellectual ability into seven different types:
Words and Numbers
Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence (“word smart”) learners have a strong ability to use words and language; they think in words instead of pictures. They typically have highly developed auditory skills and are often good speakers and story tellers. Verbal learners are our poets, writers, journalists, teachers, lawyers, and politicians.
Logical/Mathematical Intelligence(“number/reasoning smart”) learners think conceptually, using reason, logic and numbers to make connections and understand information. They tend to ask lots of questions and like to do experiments; they enjoy problem solving, classifying and categorizing things and working with geometric shapes. Logical learners can become scientists, engineers, computer programmers, accountants and mathematicians.
Visual Learners
Visual/Spatial Intelligence ("picture smart")learners think in pictures more than words and need to create vivid mental images to remember and understand information. They like maps, charts, pictures, videos, and movies, so teaching with film may be helpful in their case.. They’re usually good at puzzles, have a strong sense of direction and like making and repairing things. Visual/Spatial learners can become navigators, sculptors, inventors, architects and interior designers, mechanics or engineers.
Music and Movement
Musical/Rhythmic Intelligence (“music smart”) learners enjoy creating and listening to music and tend to think in sounds, rhythms and patterns. Many of these learners are extremely sensitive to environmental sounds. They often enjoy singing, whistling, playing musical instruments, and composing music and can become musicians, disc jockeys, singers or composers. Teaching with music may be helpful for them.
Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence (“body smart”) learners express themselves through movement. They have a good sense of balance and eye-hand co-ordination, and they remember information best when they can move as they learn. They’re typically good at sports, making things, crafts, and acting and grow up to become athletes, dancers, actors, artisans or firefighters.
Personal and Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal Intelligence (“people smart”) learners have a strong ability to relate to and understand others. They’re able to see things from other perspectives and are often described as having an uncanny ability to sense feelings, intentions and motivations. They use both verbal and non-verbal skills well and are often empathetic, making them good counselors, salespeople, politicians or business people.
Intrapersonal Intelligence (“self smart”) learners are self-aware and able to understand their inner feelings, dreams, relationships with others, strengths and weaknesses. They can make excellent researchers, theorists, and philosophers.
Finding the Right Way to Teach Your Learner
If you recognize more than one of those characteristics in yourself or your children, you’re not alone. We don’t fall neatly into each of these categories, but often display characteristics of each of these learning styles in different subjects and situations.
So if you’re kids aren’t “getting it” in school or at home, maybe it’s just because the information isn’t being given in a way that makes sense to them. Maybe instead of text, your child needs a visual representation , and might learn better through art. Maybe the graph that doesn’t make sense can be explained with a verbal analogy. Maybe your child doesn't have "ADHD", but just needs more freedom to move while learning.
