Learning styles and intelligences

Self-analysis

            Some people find learning a difficult task because they are used to learning in one way. A person can learn in various ways. Some of these are visual (spatial), logical (mathematical), verbal (linguistic), aural (musical) and physical (kinesthetic). Some people find it easier to work with others (interpersonal) while yet do more work and achieve more when they work alone (intrapersonal). The above learning styles were developed by Howard Gardner (Brualdi, 1996). In his argument, which I strongly agree with, it does not make sense to judge the level of intelligence in people using one method. He saw intelligence quotient (IQ) as a limited way of measuring how intelligent people are since it does not exhaustively cover all areas of learning.

He came up with the seven modalities, which people can use to assess their individual learning style. Knowing which style suits a person enables him or her to develop in that particular style and because of this; he or she works better and gets good grades. Some people who had been limited to one way of learning welcomed this idea. There are people who are really gifted in music and not everybody understands mathematics. A person can have more than one learning style. I, find it easier to work in groups since they are challenging and fun. It is easier to relate to people my age rather than work alone.

Groups also come in handy when there is something that I did not understand. This gives me a chance to ask my friends to explain it to me and by doing this I ensure that I do not loose on anything. Though I am not weak in mathematics, my strongest subjects are those related to literature. I find it enjoyable to read literature whether it is classic or modern. When writing, it is easy for me to express myself because ideas flow easily. Literature allows one to express him or herself without fear and I find that this is one of my strongest areas. These multiple intelligences are important and can be beneficial to K – 12 students.

School syllabuses should be designed in such a way that students are given the opportunity to learn in ways that are more creative (Giles, 2003). Learning does not have to be inside a classroom but it can also be in the music or science lab. If school systems were designed in this way, nobody would see himself or herself as stupid or dumb. They would instead focus on the strongest areas and this would help them more than the normal system of learning. Of course, there are areas in which everybody has to learn such as simple mathematics and English since these are areas, which are utilized on a daily basis (how else can a person learn to communicate with others and count money).

Knowing the learning style that one excels in is important. It helps to prepare a person for his or her future career. People who have linguistic intelligence make good teacher, lawyers, news anchors and reporters, lecturers, politicians and any other career that requires oratory skills. In my case, being able to interact with others is an added advantage. Communication is good because it can be used in many areas. Businesspersons find it easier to succeed in their business if they are able to persuade others, argue and bargain. A sales person finds it a necessary requirement to communicate since he or she will have to explain about the product that he or she is selling. The same case applies to a teacher who has to explain facts in a classroom. A lawyer will need to speak fluently in order to be understood. He or she should be able to argue cases and be convincing enough in front of a judge or a jury.

All these professions require good use and mastery of language. However, it is also a wise idea to know the learning styles of others. This is because it will be easier for a person to understand others and to appreciate their differences. It would especially be important for people who like working with others and forming groups. Every person in the group is an individual and this means that nobody has the same understanding as the other. Some people are slow to learn while others are quick. Those who may be slow to learn in a classroom style may be the first ones in other areas. With this knowledge, the group can know how they can help one another. There are many ways, through which a person can benefit, if the multiple intelligences are applied in our classrooms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Brualdi, A. C. (1996). Multiple Intelligences: Gardner’s Theory. Retrieved 15 June 2010, from http://chants.coastal.edu/cetl/resources/Multiple_Intelligences.pdf

Giles, E., Pitre, S., Womack, S. (2003). ‘Multiple intelligences and learning styles.’ In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved 15 June 2010, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Multiple_Intelligences_and_Learning_Styles