The theory of multiple intelligences
Educational researcher and developmental psychologist Howard Gardner, in 1983 introduced a revolutionary idea with his groundbreaking study, "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences," in which he theorizes that not all students learn best in the same way. Gardner's studies showed there are some students that learn best by using visual aids, and others that learn best by handling objects - for example, learning math by moving manipulatives. He suggested if parents and teachers could target the learning styles of each style, all children would have a much better chance of succeeding in school.
The different learning styles
During the last 30 years, the theory of differing learning styles and multiple intelligences has gained more acceptance with our country's educators and has found its way into many lesson plans and classrooms. Below is an overview of the variety of learning types and how children can be supported with these different styles in the classroom.
- Auditory learners - Children who learn best by auditory means they can hear the information given to them. They thrive best when they are able to review lessons they have recorded. An example would be to learn math facts in the form of a silly song. Children who are auditory learners are good at recognizing rhymes and hearing patterns in language.
- Kinetic learners - The word "kinetic" means motion. Children who are kinetic learners learn best with a hands-on approach; they learn best if they can handle things while they learn. For example, while they learn the alphabet, they learn best when they can handle the letters in the form of cardboard cutouts or let them shape them out of clay. Also, as already mentioned, they need manipulatives such as beads or blocks when learning concepts in math.
- Visual learners - Out of all the learning styles, it is visual learning that is most like the traditional methods of teaching. Children who are visual learners can learn information by taking and reviewing notes during a lecture, reading text, or by deciphering diagrams and graphs. Additionally, they are good at visualization, they enjoy day-dreaming, reading maps and drawing. In past years, other styles of learning has been suggested such as logical learners, interpersonal learners, musical learners and naturalistic learners.
What is your child's learning style?
The best way to help your child learn more efficiently is by identifying their learning style. As parents, you can possibly determine their style by simple observations. Does your child enjoy reading or writing; is their nose always stuck in a book? This might mean your child is a visual learner. Does your child love physical activities such as dancing, swimming, or outdoor sports? This might mean your child is a kinetic learner. Another way you can determine the learning style of your child is through your child's teacher. Teachers are able to observe your child in many different learning situations and might have a good idea which learning style best fits your child.
There are additional resources online you can use. One is offered by the University of South Dakota, which ask a series of questions. You can either let the program tally the answers for you or you can do this yourself. Another one is offered by Scholastic Books, which is a learning style inventory designed specifically for young children. This is a test that divides learners into children who are visual learners and learn by "looking," and those who are auditory learners and learn by "listening," and those who are kinetic learners and learn by "doing." The child simply answers the questions relating to the activities they enjoy and how they respond to different situations.
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