Learning Preferences
Myth of Learning Styles
The idea of “learning styles” was popularized in the early 1990’s. It is often interpreted to mean that people learn best either visually, through heard information, through reading, or through kinesthetic (i.e. movement) experiences.
While people may have preferred ways of learning, this isn’t necessarily the one way they learn best. More recent research suggests “it’s much better to think of everyone having a toolbox of ways to think, and think to yourself, which tool is best?”
How to use Multiple Intelligences
In 1983 Harvard professor, Dr. Howard Gardner, introduced the theory of multiple intelligences. It describes eight different ways people can process information (expand the “Learning Lab” to see what they are). While everyone possesses all eight intelligences, each person will find some that are easier to use and some that are harder.
As you go through coursework, use your strengths! For instance if you have strong visual-spatial intelligence, try breaking down information from the text into tables, charts, or sketches. Or take the opportunity to submit storyboards or visual elements when given a choice for assignment submissions.
Learning Lab
Below are Gardner’s eight intelligences as described in Kelly Roell’s 2019 article, How to use multiple intelligences to study for a test. What would you say are your top 2-3 strengths or preferences? How can you incorporate them into your coursework?
- Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence (“Word Smart”): This type of intelligence refers to a person’s ability to analyze information and produce work that involves spoken and written language like speeches, books, and emails.
- Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (“Number and Reasoning Smart”): This type of intelligence refers to a person’s ability to develop equations and proofs, make calculations, and solve abstract problems that may or may not be related to numbers.
- Visual-Spatial Intelligence (“Picture Smart”): This type of intelligence refers to a person’s ability to understand maps and other types of graphical information like charts, tables, diagrams, and pictures.
- Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“Body Smart”): This type of intelligence refers to a person’s ability to use his or her own body to solve problems, find solutions or create products.
- Musical Intelligence (“Music Smart”): This type of intelligence refers to a person’s ability to create and make meaning of different types of sound.
- Interpersonal Intelligence (“People Smart”): This type of intelligence refers to a person’s ability to recognize and understand other people’s moods, desires, motivations, and intentions.
- Intrapersonal Intelligence (“Self Smart”): This type of intelligence refers to a person’s ability to recognize and understand their own moods, desires, motivations, and intentions.
- Naturalistic Intelligence (“Nature Smart”): This type of intelligence refers to a person’s ability to identify and distinguish among different types of plants, animals, and weather formations found in the natural world.