Do you ever wonder why some people thrive in group settings and others don’t? Or even why some people learn the best through working on puzzles and problem solving, while others prefer to read articles or books about their areas of interest? Navigating through college has its fair share of obstacles, but fully realizing our best learning and study habits often flies under the radar.
Developmental Psychologist and Professor of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education Howard Gardner identified his theory of multiple intelligences in his books “Frames of Mind” and “Intelligence Reframed.” From his research and observations from hundreds of interviews linking cognitive science to teaching education, Gardner argues that each person has nine intelligences. Each of them is listed below, with learning styles that compliment them.
Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence
Specialize in the language arts; their strengths include reading, writing, speaking and listening
Mathematical-Logical Intelligence
Demonstrate strengths in numbers, reasoning, logic and problem-solving
Musical Intelligence
Songs, patterns, musical instruments and expression
Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Learn the best through any visual method that is engaging, dynamic and relating to the physical space: videos, maps, charts, graphs, etc.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Any hands-on activity that includes games, movement, physical tasks and building
Interpersonal Intelligence
People who are very outgoing and conversation oriented learn through interaction; tend to learn the best with a partner or in study groups
Intrapersonal Intelligence
People who are connected more with their personal self (thoughts, feelings and emotions) than with others
Naturalist Intelligence
People who are in touch with nature (camping, exploration and animals)
Existential Intelligence
Commonly seen in philosophy; individuals question the meaning of life and its purpose
One important aspect of Gardner’s research is that he never pits one intelligence over the other. The main takeaway is that it is not only essential for someone to know the best way for them to learn new information but also that we should think about how we apply traditional methods of teaching.
Educators also play an essential role in applying these methods. Sandra Trotman, an associate professor at the NSU Fischler College of Education, said, “Knowing how to reach your students is really important.”
She gave several examples of how a teacher in early childhood education may plan a lesson for the day incorporating a variety of different learning styles such as using “crossword puzzles for visuals, Simon Says for action.”
Additionally, Trotman said, “We might have some students that are more computer literate or savvy use computer resources like [School] Jeopardy and The Price Is Right.”
Trotman also mentioned that educators may look into the math and literature connections for students that show strengths in writing and logic. Because there is a variety of learning strengths in one classroom, no two students can learn alike.
Remember that Gardner’s theory allows for these traits to overlap, and people can have multiple intelligences. But to find out which study methods are the best for you or to brush up your knowledge on a new topic, Gardner’s theory is a good place to start.
