Learning+Styles+and+Multiple+Intelligences

Learning Styles Theory and the Theory of Multiple Intelligences are the frameworks that have informed how your teachers see you and how they design their classroom curriculum. It's important to know these models not only to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the theory, but also to inform your own self-study.

Learning Styles
A theory of "stimulus" learning developed out of the observations of students with "differentiated" learning styles. Simply put, our brains develop favorite ways to take in information and it's easier to learn in our dominant style. The Learning Styles are broken down by the five senses, but for school we really only talk about three. Visual Learners, Audio Learners, and Kinesthetic Learners. Those that learn by seeing, hearing, and doing.

Multiple Intelligences
- A theory developed by Howard Gardner in the early 80's that breaks human cognition down into 8 (or more) categories or "Intelligences" from an initial theory of six.

Verbal Linguistic Logical Mathematical Body Kinesthetic Spatial Interpersonal Intrapersona Naturalistic Musical (Spiritual)

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Both of these were in response to the building criticism of the single numerical "I.Q" to measure human intelligence and potential in education...and now, in their turn, are being overturned by those in education and research who insist that human intelligence is even more diverse and creative....not to mention dynamic and ever changing.

One of the more outspoken and respected of these critical voices in the last two years has been Sir Ken Robinson. Check out what he has to say about human potential, creativity, and education in this TEDTalk. []

(alternately on YouTube @ [])

also check out.... //Everything Bad is Good for You// by Steven Johnson for some interesting thoughts on Popular Culture's effect on I.Q.. ....which, if you actually look at what he's saying is a great argument for the fact that IQ is not a measure that's easily defined or understood.