Identifying Your Learning Style

Learning Styles Essay

A learning style is defined as an individual’s unique approach to learning based on their strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Some people learn best when being taught in a hands on manner, others are visual learners who have a preference for seen and observed things, while some learn best from the spoken word, and what is called auditory learning. In 1983, Harvard professor and researcher, Howard Gardner, introduced a theory called the Multiple Intelligence Theory that proposed that all people are born with seven “intelligences”, which account for how a person is able to learn and use information. This theory differed from the dominant definition of intelligence that was basically limited to mathematical and linguistic abilities, and proposed that rather than limiting the definition of intelligence to those two abilities, his group of seven types of intelligence more accurately accounts for the different ways people acquire and use knowledge. Over the years there have been different types of tests created to identify one’s learning style, in order to determine the way that each person is best able to obtain and use the information that is taught. Learning Style identification is a useful tool for educational professionals and students alike, but one theory in particular has been adopted by educators across the world.
Howard Gardner identified seven types of “intelligences” that he believes every person possesses. Gardner defines intelligence as “the capacity to solve problems or to fashion products that are valued in one or more cultural setting” (Gardner & Hatch, 1989). The seven strengths outlined in the theory are: Linguistic, meaning words and language are used to communicate information, Logical-Mathematical, using numbers and logic, Musical, which isn’t necessarily musical ability but more so the awareness, appreciation and use of sounds, tones, and rhythm. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is strength in learning by physical experience, movement, touch and feel, whereas Spatial-visual intelligence focuses on visual and spatial perception and interpretation of visual images. The “Personal Intelligences” include Interpersonal intelligence, the ability to understand the feelings and intentions of others, and Intrapersonal intelligence, defined as the ability to understand one’s own feelings and motivations. The theory states that all seven intelligences are needed to productively function in today’s society, and that all are equally important.
In the past, the educational system has stressed the importance of mathematical and linguistic skills, often basing the measurement of ones success on tests in only those two types of intelligence. Supporters of the MI theory believe that this is unfair because all children do not learn in the same way therefore they cannot be assessed in a uniform fashion. Tests like Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences test which is based upon his M.I. model, have been a very useful tool for educators in many ways including helping them to assess each students learning style, which allows the teacher to make informed decisions on how and what they teach. Every student is unique and comes into the classroom with their own set of developed intelligences, their own set of strengths and weaknesses, which determine how easy or hard it is for them to learn certain information. By assessing students learning styles in ways that give more accurate overviews of strengths and weaknesses, teachers are able to make more informed decisions on how to present information to students in a way that they are best able to learn.
While It can be said that most educators care about their students, and strive to give them the best education possible, not all are willing to accept that all students are unique in the way that they learn, and willing to explore new techniques to use while teaching. Supporters of Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory recognize that many learning styles can be found in one classroom, and that it would be impossible to accommodate every single lesson to each students learning style. However, with the use of tools like learning style tests, educators can show students ways to use both their strengths and weaknesses in regards to types of intelligence, in order to help them understand curriculum. Teaching in this manner provides students with a deeper understanding of the material and increases overall intelligence, as well as confidence in the students own ability.