Theory of Multiple Intelligences Discovering Your Learning Styles

Learning Styles Every person has a unique learning style. It is important to recognize your strengths and weaknesses as a learner. Discovered by Howard Gardner, Harvard professor of neuroscience. Intelligence is not defined as IQ, but “as the skills that enable anyone to gain new knowledge and solve problems.”

Style 1: Verbal-Linguistic “Word Smart” Learn best through -reading, writing, listening, speaking Absorb information by -engaging with reading materials -discussing and debating ideas

Put into Practice Great At: Reading Writing Memorizing Words Learning languages Speaking and telling stories Recommended Activities Book club Debate club Yearbook Poetry Newsletter Newspaper Theater

Style 2: Logical-Mathematical “Logic Smart” Learn by -classifying-categorizing -thinking abstractly about patterns, relationships, and numbers

Put into Practice Recommended Activities Brainteasers Chess Gaming and computer technology Math Music Robotics

Style 3: Visual-Spatial “Picture Smart” Learn best by - drawing or visualizing using the mind’s eye Learn most from - pictures, diagrams, visual aids

Great At: Learning concepts all at once, rather than in steps Seeing the “big picture” Reading maps and giving directions Noticing colors and patterns Creating or decorating personal space Demonstrating understanding by drawing or sketching Observing and remembering details Using graphs or tables to solve problems Enjoying mechanics, technology, and engineering Showing interest in classes such as physical sciences, computer programming, mathematics, and art Developing hobbies like crafts, sewing, knitting, or building scale models

Recommended Activities Art Gaming and technology Video editing PhotoshopMathRoboticsCookingSports

Style 4: Auditory-Musical “Music Smart” Learn -using rhythm and melody -Especially by singing or listening to music

Benefit From Listening to music through headphones while reading. Having own workspace, allowing them to hum or whistle while they work. Reading aloud, putting expression into narration and dialogue.

Style 5: Bodily-Kinesthetic “Body Smart” Learn best through touch and movement Process information best through the body Sometimes can work best by standing up and moving

Practice Sensory Integration Activities -chew gum, use a stress ball, drink out of a straw, eat chewy foods, wear something heavy heavy Combine fitness and learning -sit on a stability ball -add actions to words or concepts

Recommended Activities SportsTheaterRobotics Outdoor activities Art

Style 6: Interpersonal “People Smart” Learn through relating to others by -sharing, comparing, and cooperating Can make excellent -group members, team players

Put into Practice Great At Making people feel welcome and included Making new friends Talking on the phone Mediating conflicts Working in groups Recommended Activities Book club Theater Chess Student Association Dorm RA

Style 7: Intrapersonal “Self Smart” Learn best by working alone and setting individual goals Not necessarily shy - independent and organized

These Learners Are… Self-motivated Sherlock Holmes IndependentIntrovertedOrganizedGoal-orientedConfidentPositive Skilled at self-reflection

Recommended Activities Art Book Club Debate Club Digital Storytelling Music Club PoetryNewsletterTheater

Style 8: Naturalistic “Nature Smart” Learn by working with nature Enjoy learning about living things and natural events May excel in the sciences and be passionate about environmental events

These Learners Enjoy… Animals Botany and gardening NutritionWeather Hiking and camping RecyclingComposting Repurposing and upcycling

Recommended Activities Nature/Outdoor club GardeningCookingGeo-caching Nature hikes/outdoor activities

Finding Your Learning Style You can have more than one learning style! There are many combinations of the different learning styles. Example: You can be skilled in solving puzzles and discerning patterns, displaying a combination of logical-mathematical intelligence with the visual- spatial intelligence.

Why is this important? All the learning styles represent different ways of interacting with the world. Everyone has a little bit of each, but favor some styles over others. Knowing and using your learning styles can influence your success. Know and use what works for you!