By: The Soleil "Nine" Dona
Abstract
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences: Application to Education
Howard Gardner. developmental psychologist and educational researcher, in the early 1908s, verified that different children learn in different ways. Because equal intelligence doesn’t mean all lesson plans will work for children, then we should support our youths by adapting to their learning styles to utilize the optimal learning experience to support them
Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences
In 1983, Howard Gardner published Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences which claims that children learn better at school when their learning styles are adapted to and supported. The seven learning styles he established were auditory; visual; kinesthetic; interpersonal; intrapersonal; linguistic; and logical-mathematical. The most common ones are auditorial, visual, and kinesthetic learners.
Auditorial
Auditory learners develop knowledge best through the sense of hearing, remembering, and understanding new concepts when orally explained even if they’re the ones speaking. They better retain information when the new concepts are assisted with nonverbal sounds such as music, beats, or even clapping.
They are often recognized by their love for music, easily recognizing words in songs they hear. Easily able to follow directions, they ask to repeat instructions they don’t understand. They like to read out loud even without the company of others, and even better when they're read to them as well. They strive when a teacher audibly gives directions rather than reading the instructions on paper. A mini spelling bee might help children practice spelling words more than if they were to write them out, and may excel using audiobooks. You can record them reading the instructions and give them the recording, and when conflicted about a concept they're stuck on it’s best to converse about it, as they’ll understand it better by talking to you about it. When memorizing, they can be helped by songs and intrigued by wordplay and language patterns.
Visual
The sense of sight is best utilized for visual learners, as they tend to show a preference for books, and readings, engaged by colors and clear diagrams, and benefit by videos, demonstrations, and handouts. Visual learning is the most conformed to the traditional educational system, as they gain information by reading assignments, taking and reviewing handwritten notes and diagrams, flipcharts, and other visual aids and models teachers use in the classroom.
Visual learners tend to sit in the front, looking at what the teachers write on the board. Using bright colors and motion will enable them they use posters and mobiles in decorating their rooms, liking to draw and paint. When retelling a story, they’re very detailed and ask to be shown things when being taught, and like learning through imitation.
Surrounding a visual learner with books will help them, and even before someone can read they’ll be engaged in bright pictures and stories told through them. They might be an artist, making visual representations of what they see top;earmn. Drawings can help them remember important facts for them and identify a timeline and meanings to words. They might benefit from using highlighters with their notes and reading assignments, and creating small concept sketches, and flashcards. They work best in a quiet space free of distractions as they stray if there is commotion and colors in sight.
Kinesthetic
Kinesthetic is the most physical learning style, absorbing through touch, movement, and motion. To understand, they need to physically engage with something.
They ask to hold things when they ask, to see things, and the kind of people who like building sets, model kits interactive displays, and children's museums. They tear things apart to learn about them and are more likely to choose clay over pencil or paint in art. They’ll reach for books at an early age with interactions such as pop-ups, little doors, textures, etc.
Physical math demonstrations like pattern blocks and base ten blocks can help them interpret math concepts, and physical spelling demonstrations like letter-shaped magnets to move around the fridge will foster their learning as well. They will do well with textured paper and a variety of sizes with writing utensils. Motion can be added to what seems like a still homework session with a stationary bicycle or an exercise ball, and even find that standing desks help kids who fidget. Rhythmic motions such as flapping or finger snapping are beneficial while studying.
Conclusion
Just like when parents know more about their children's learning style, the better they are at helping their child's education. The more you know about your learning type, the more you can better help optimize your learning. By drawing this parallel, adapting to the youth of tomorrow will adapt our society for the better.
References
Gardner, H. (2011). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Basic Books. Gardner, H. (2014). MI Oasis. MI Oasis.
Mead, S. (2019). Auditory, Visual & Kinesthetic: Helping Kids Succeed Through Different Learning Styles. Whitbyschool.org.
https://www.whitbyschool.org/passionforlearning/auditory-visual-and-kinesthetic-helping -children-succeed-through-different-learning-styles
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