Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles
In today’s society not everyone has heard of the theory of multiple intelligences however most people have heard of learning styles. Even in the education field, educators may not be able to correctly define both. Are multiple intelligences and learning styles two different names of the same thing? This paper will discuss their differences and similarities. According to Dunn, Denig, and Lovelace (2001) “Multiple Intelligences addresses what is taught, while learning style addresses how it is taught, and in what context” (p. 11). Learning style research has evidenced that any content can be mastered when taught through students' strengths.
The Oxford dictionary defines Intelligence as the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. The word intelligence is derived from the Latin verb intelligere meaning to comprehend or perceive. The word intelligence was first used in the 14th century. Early beliefs in intelligence stated that intelligence could be tested with a series of questions and the higher a person scored the more intelligent that person was believed to be. The first intelligence test used was developed by psychologist Alfred Binet in 1904 (Wade & Tarvis, 2012). The first intelligence tests used were used for the purpose of identifying slow children in school. Binet’s intelligence test tested the mental age of children. In 1905 Binet and his colleague Theordore Simon developed a test that measured memory, vocabulary and perceptual discrimination. Later a scoring system was developed to determine the intelligence quotient based on mental age and chronological age. The early intelligence quotient test did have some flaws and the scoring system did not work well for adults so today’s intelligence quotient tests are scored differently than the beginning of the intelligence quotient tests.
Multiple intelligences is a theory developed by Howard
References: Al Ghraibeh, A. M. (2012). Brain based learning and its relation with multiple intelligences. International Journal of Psychological Studies, 4(1), 103-113. DOI:10.5539/ijps.v4n1p103 Dunn, R., Denig, S., & Lovelace, M. (2001). Two sides of the same coin or different strokes for different folks? Teacher Librarian. 28(3), 9-15. Edutopia Staff. (2009). Edutopia redefining smart: Multiple intelligences. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-introduction Pritchard, A. (2009). Ways of learning: Learning theories and learning styles in the classroom. New York, NY: Routledge. Wade, C., & Tavris, C. (2012). Invitation to psychology, fifth edition. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Prentice Hall