Learning Styles: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

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A human’s capacity to learn new skills has been researched and studied over the years. Each individual is unique and therefore hard to put into one simple category. Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences is one example of the possible ways a human can learn and comprehend their world. In his theory, Gardner has described 8 different capacities of learning ability. In applying his theory, personalized education could be created to tailor to each individual’s needs. Howard Gardner proposed the theory of multiple intelligences in 1983, a way to explain and understand human intelligence. The theory shows the many ways one can process, learn, and remember information. Gardner states there are eight types of intelligences and that humans “vary in the degree of skill possessed in each category.” (Maftoon 2012) The categories are: Linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and relate to other people. Those who have strong interpersonal skills are good at resolving conflict, skilled at assessing emotions and intentions of others, and tend to create positive relationships. Careers for individuals with these strengths are psychologist, counselor, sales person, or politician. Intrapersonal intelligence is more inward and selfish. Individuals strong in this area are very reflective upon themselves. Intrapersonal people tend to be very aware of their own feelings and motivations. They enjoy day-dreaming and self-analysis. They tend to become philosophers, writers, and scientist. Visual-spatial intelligence is the ability to visualize things. These individuals do well interpreting maps and chart... ... middle of paper ... ...room with other children who have special needs and be on the same interpersonal level as them, struggling socially to adapt. Their social skills could be weak yet the child with Autism could be a musical or spatial genius. Each individual can be strong and weak in any area and by generalizing one’s education, students may never see their true intelligence. Over the years there have been multiple theories suggested about human intelligence. Howard Gardner’s theory seems to be argued by some, while others embrace it and use it. Applying Gardner’s theory of the eight intelligences- interpersonal, intrapersonal, spatial, bodily, linguistic, musical, naturalistic, and logical- to the education system could help more students learn and understand where their strengths are and where their weaknesses are in order to be able to improve their intellgence abilities.

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