Multiple intelligences: exploring how children lea
Review of Dr. Howard Gardner’s Book: Theory of Multiple Intelligences by Romona Weston, publisher,
http://kitchencarts360.comrnI have two children; one will get up in the morning and head straight for his arts box, pulling out colored pens and a sheet of paper. The other, on the other hand, will be more likely to get herself dressed, possibly in a princess dress, or play with her dolls. I think this goes beyond age and gender; they just seem to be fundamentally different, with different ways of relating to the world around them. rnAuthor, Dr. Howard Gardner, a psychologist and professor of neuroscience from Harvard University, proposes that such differences are evidence for different learning styles, or ‘multiple intelligences’, (MI in 1983) of which he suggests there are eight or nine. This theory challenged the traditionally held beliefs in the fields of education and science.
Overview of Gardner’s nine ‘intelligences’rn1.VisualrnGardner describes visual learners as ‘picture smart’. They are able to visualize accurately and call up images from the past when trying to recall something. They like to design and work with objects and have a keen sense of spatial orientation and movement. About 40 per cent of secondary students are believed to be visual-spatial learners.rn2. Kinestheticrn Kinesthetic learners are ‘body smart’ and often excel at physical activities such as sport. They are dextrous, with good balance and co-ordination, and seem to work better when on the move. They can find adapting to the traditional school setting challenging, yet about half of secondary school children are thought to be kinesthetic learners.rn3. LinguisticrnLinguistic or ‘word smart’ pupils are good with the expressive and practical aspects of language. They are skilled in writing reports and letters, are good spellers and can persuade and negotiate with others.rnLinguistic or ‘word smart’ pupils are good with the expressive and practical aspects of language. They are skilled in writing reports and letters, are good spellers and can persuade and negotiate with others.rn4.Logical-mathematicalrnMost lessons are delivered in a way that suits logical-mathematical learners. These children are ‘number smart’ and can solve complex math, are skilled at logical reasoning and use critical and creative problem-solving skills.rn5. MusicalrnAs you would guess, ‘music smart’ children are naturally drawn to singing and playing musical instruments. They have a natural understanding of rhythm, melody and rhyme.rn6.Interpersonal rnGardner describes interpersonal learners as ‘people smart’. These are the children who show an empathic understanding of their peer’s emotions, moods and opinions. They are intuitive and sensitive.rn7. IntrapersonalrnIntrapersonal, or ‘self smart’ learners are very self aware, with a clear idea of their goals, opinions and abilities.
8.NaturalistrnThis type of child is ‘nature smart’ and has a keen interest in and understanding of the natural world around them. They are drawn to animals, plants and the ecological relationships between them.
9.ExistentialrnGardner has also suggested a possible ninth ‘intelligence’, which is concerned with the philosophical meaning of life. Children with this mode of learning would be likely to live by cherished principles, such as truth, wisdom and honour, a belief in God, as they seek to understand their place in the world.rnThe implications of different learning stylesrnIf Gardner’s theoretical ‘intelligences’ are correct, this has big implications for education policy. If lessons are usually presented in a way that suits logical-mathematical learners, what happens to the 90 per cent of children thought to be either predominately visual-spatial or kinesthetic learners? rnIf your child is struggling at school, it may be worth exploring how they go about understanding the world. If this is at odds with the ways lessons are structured you could plan alternative ways of teaching the same material at home. You should also speak to your child’s teacher to make them aware of their particular learning styles.rnWords of warningrnWhile it is useful to understand the unique way in which your child interprets his or her world, it is worth bearing in mind that children may use different learning styles in different situations. Trying to pigeon-hole them into one style and avoiding opportunities for demonstrating or developing other styles may hold your child back.rnIt is also important to realize that learning differences do not equal learning difficulties. As Gardner’s terminology implies, there are so many ways that our children can be intelligent. Go ahead and look at that child and encourage him through understanding his learning styles!