LEARNING/THINKING STYLES AND MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES

LEARNING/THINKING STYLES- the preferred way an individual processes

information - considered to be bipolar dimensions

Perspectives

1. Sensory Preferences

A. Visual Learners- think in pictures and learn best from visual

aidsa. Visual-iconic – those who are more interested visual

imageryb. Visual-symbolic – abstract symbolism

B. Auditory Learners- learn best through verbal lectures, discussions,

talking things through, and listening to what others have to say

a. Listeners – ones who prefer to listenb. Talkers – ones who prefer to talk and discuss

C. Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners- benefits much from a hands-on approach,

actively exploring the physical world around them

2. Global-Analytic Continuum

A. Analytic- tend to the linear, step-by-step process of

learning- tree seers

B. Global- lean towards non-linear thought and tend to see

the whole pattern rather than particle elements- forest seers

LEFT BRAIN (Analytic) RIGHT BRAIN (Global)

Successive Hemispheric Style Simultaneous Hemispheric Style

1. Verbal 1. Visual

2. Responds to word meaning 2. Responds to tone of voice

3. Sequential 3. Random

4. Processes information linearly 4. Processes information in varied order

5. Responds to logic 5. Responds to emotion

6. Plans ahead 6. Impulsive

7. Recalls people’s names 7. Recalls people’s faces

8. Speaks with few gestures 8. Gestures when speaking

9. Punctual 9. Less punctual

10. Prefers formal study design 10. Prefers sound/music background while studying

11. Prefers bright lights while studying 11. Prefers frequent mobility while studying

MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCESHoward Gardner (1983)- defines intelligence as “an ability or set of abilities

that allows a person to solve a problem or fashion a product that is valued in one or more cultures”

- believes that different intelligences may be independent abilities

Nine Distinct Forms of Environment

1. Visual/Spatial Intelligence (Picture Smart)- learning visually and organizing ideas spatially

2. Verbal/Linguistic (Word Smart)- learning through spoken and written words

3. Mathematical/Logical (Number Smart/Logic Smart)- learning through reasoning and problem solving

4. Bodily/Kinesthetic (Body Smart)- learning through interaction with one’s

environment

5. Musical (Music Smart)- learning through patterns, rhythms, and music

6. Intrapersonal (Self Smart)- learning through feelings, values and attitudes

7. Interpersonal (People Smart)- learning through interaction with others

8. Naturalist (Nature Smart)- learning through classification, categories and

hierarchies

9. Existential (Spirit Smart)- learning by seeing the big picture

Teaching Strategies guided by Thinking/Learning Styles and

Multiple Intelligence

1. Use questions of all types to stimulate various levels of thinking from recalling factual information to drawing implications and making value judgments.

2. Provide a general overview of material to be learned, so that students past experiences will be associated with the new ideas.

3. Allow sufficient time for information to be processed and then integrate using the right and left-brain hemispheres.

4. Set clear purposes before any listening, viewing, or reading experience.

5. Warm up before the lesson development by using brainstorming, set induction, etc.

6. Use multisensory means for both processing and retrieving information.

7. Use a variety of review and reflection strategies to bring closure to learning.

8. Use descriptive feedback rather than simply praising.

Thank You!

Facilitating Learning with FS1

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