WHAT IS LEARNING?In my opinion learning can be described as: • Acquiring a new skill• Taking in information and Knowledge• Storing information in our memory
LEARNING STYLES
• The concept of learning styles became apparent as psychologists examined how children used their strengths and skills to comprehend and study new materials (Walkup, 2011)
Image Source: http://kindredgrace.com/learning-styles/
BUT HOW DO WE LEARN?
• A theory I have found particularly interesting is Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory
Image Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/howard-gardner/
HIS BELIEF
• Howard Gardner believes every individual has eight different types of intelligences
• He believes they are mutually exclusive • And that they carry equal weight
(Walsh, 2011)
Image Source: http://www.amazon.com/Multiple-Intelligences-Theory-Practice-Reader/dp/046501822X
THE 8 DIFFERENT INTELLIGENCES
Image Source: http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts/2013-01-18/Understanding-Your-Student-s-Learning-Style-The-Theory-of-Multiple-Intelligences.aspx
1. BODILY KINESTHETIC
• The ability to think using movements and your body (Walkup, 2011). • Learners with this intelligence tend to learn through
• Role play• Forming physical examples• Visiting museums• Exercising while going over work
Image Source: http://www.slideshare.net/JudithBorrsAndrs/kinesthetic-power-point-9673485
2. INTERPERSONAL
• Interpersonal intelligence focuses on a person’s potential to understand other people (Walkup, 2011)
• It involves communicating with others• They excel while:
• studying in groups• comparing and contrasting ideas• relating things to personal experiences
Image Source: http://infed.org/mobi/facilitating-learning-and-change-in-groups-and-group-sessions/
3. INTRAPERSONAL
• Intrapersonal intelligence is being self smart, understanding yourself and being capable to reflect on their feelings, fears, thoughts and actions (Walkup, 2011)
• It involves self discovery and analysis • It can enable an individual to control their own life • These learners are great at:
• avoiding distractions• making goals• working alone
Image Source: http://newsroom.xprep.co/2016/02/studying-alone-vs-group-study/
4. VERBAL/LINGUISTIC
• Reading, writing, speaking, listening and debating are all characteristics of a learner with this intelligence
• These individuals have an ability to learn languages easily• These learners would make up rhymes, memorise and read as a way of
learning • Can use language to express themselves effectively(Walkup, 2011)
Image Source: https://gradeslam.org/blog/4-reasons-to-learn-new-languages-early
5. LOGICAL/MATHEMATICAL
• The capability to solve problems (Walkup, 2011)• Learn best by:
• Recording information• Analysing data• Conducting experiments
Image Source: http://mathgeekmama.com/about-math-geek-mama/
6. MUSICAL
• the understanding of how music is composed and performed (Walkup, 2011)
• A learner would learn by:• making up songs• talking out loud• changing tempo
Image Source: https://voiceleading.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/the-art-of-intuition/
7. VISUAL/SPATIAL
• Involves the use of pictures and patterns to learn (Walkup, 2011)• Ability to visualise patterns of wide space and confined areas• These learners can learn by:
• watching videos• using visual aids such as pictures
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8. NATURALIST
• These learners are great at reflecting, learning and understanding the natural world (Walkup, 2011)
• They can recognise and categorise certain features of the environment• To study they use:
• the environment around them• their senses
Image Source: http://www.uvlt.org/2013/04/what-inspires-the-naturalist-within-us/
CRITICS
• Critics have challenged Gardner’s theory and questioned the ability to use all eight intelligences in each lesson
• Gardner has acknowledged this and believes that only two or three should be included into each lesson
(McCown and Snowman, 2012)
PERSONAL REFLECTION
• I am quite interested in Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences• From my experience in school and from observing people I believe individuals do have
different types and levels of intelligences. While one student may excel in verbal and linguistic abilities, another may excel in musical abilities.
• Schools in Ireland mainly focus on linguistic and mathematical intelligences and tend not to do well with musical and spatial intelligences as they treat them as extracurricular activities
• Interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences are not even part of the curriculum in schools.• I believe that if we nurture all the different kinds of intelligences than a lot more students
will succeed in school and in learning
Image Source: http://robertscooke.com/taking-time-personal-reflection/
• Personally I like Gardner’s MI theory as it caters for many different learning styles allowing for all students to excel in school.
• On reflection my learning styles would be musical and visual • In turn I think this theory will motivate all the students to work to their
best ability as it caters to their abilities and interests• I hope to be able to employ this theory of Multiple Intelligences into my
classroom in the future
REFERENCES
• McCown, Rick and Snowman, Jack. (2012) Psychology Applied to Teaching, 13th edition, USA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
• Walkup, Vivienne. (2011) Exploring Education Studies, 1st Edition. Essex: Pearson Education Limited.
• Walsh, Brendan. (2011) Education Studies in Ireland, 1st edition. Dublin: Gill & Macmillan LTD.
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