Multiple Intelligences & Learning Styles

The multiple intelligences theory has been around for quite some time. However, educators still struggle to put the theory into practice especially when trying to develop teaching strategies that take into account the differences in learning styles among students.

Howard Gardner wrote the book “Frames of Mind” in 1983. In this book, Gardner explains that there are multiple human intelligences:

1. Musical intelligence
2. Bodily kinesthetic intelligence
3. Logical-mathematical intelligence
4. Linguistic intelligence
5. Spatial intelligence
6. Interpersonal intelligence
7. Intrapersonal intelligence

A normal person should possess all seven intelligences but the level of development for each type of intelligence is usually different. The reason for the difference is usually attributed to personal and cultural background. For example, a person growing up in a family of musicians and singers is likely to have a high level of musical intelligence. Likewise, a kid growing up with athletic peers will probably possess high level of bodily kinesthetic intelligence.

In order for learning to be effective, the teacher must use strategy that corresponds to the learner’s intellectual strength (a particular type of intelligence that is well developed). The learner must be allowed to take an active role in the learning process. This can be accomplished by assigning projects to them. Project-based learning is an excellent way to achieve instructional objectives while taking into consideration the differences among learners.

In project-based learning, the teacher sets the goals for the project and give students the freedom to determine the strategy that best fit his ability to complete the project. The teacher can ask students to work on finding as much information as possible about a particular topic and give presentation to the class.

For example, a lesson about our galaxy can be made interesting through student projects. The musically gifted can write songs about our solar system. The spatially gifted can draw interesting charts and maps explaining the constellations. The ones with high level of logical-mathematical intelligence can provide an analysis and categorization of extra-terrestrial bodies, and the linguistically gifted can perhaps write a poem or a story about comets and asteroids.

The above is just one example. I am sure teachers can think of other ways to bring projects into the classroom and let students explore their creativity and intelligence.

We must accept that people learn differently and that they have different level of strengths. A project, if properly designed, can leverage on these strengths and produce better learning results. What the teacher must remember is to carefully incorporate learning styles that match students' intelligences. For example:

• Spatial intelligence - use visualization (e.g. images, charts)
• Logical-mathematical intelligence - use logic and reasoning
• Bodily kinesthetic intelligence - use physical activities, sensing and touching
• Interpersonal intelligence - use group work
• Intrapersonal intelligence - use individual work
• Musical intelligence- use sound and music
• Linguistic intelligence - use of words

In the end, what matters most is that people learn. Teachers must not get stuck by usual practice of lecturing and giving standardized assignments that require little creativity. School should not be a place where students merely listen, recite, memorize and try to reproduce the correct answer during examination. School must be a place where we truly develop the talent of our younger generation.