PROF. ED.

13: DEV’T IN EDUCATION

LEARNING STYLES AND MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES
Learning Styles
Are various approaches or ways of learning. They involve educating methods, particular to an
individual that are presumed to allow that individual to learn best. It is commonly believed that
most people favor some particular method of interacting with, taking in, and processing stimuli or
information. Based on this concept, the idea of individualized “learning styles” originated in the
1970s, and has gained popularity in recent years. It has been proposed that teachers should
assess the learning styles of their students and adapt their classroom methods to best fit each
student’s learning styles. The alleged basis for these proposals has been extensively criticized.

One of the most common and widely-used categorizations of the various types of learning
styles is Fleming’s VARK Model which expanded upon earlier Neuro-linguistic programming (VAK)
models.
1. Visual Learners
- have a preference for seeing (think in pictures, visual aids such as overhead slides,
diagrams, handouts, etc).
- prefer to see how to do things rather than just talk about them, watch demonstrations and
will often get a lot out of videotaped instruction as well
- need to see the teacher’s body language and facial expression to fully understand the
content of a lesson
- tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstruction and often
prefer to take detailed notes during lecture or classroom discussion to absorb the
information
- “Can I see that again?”
2. Auditory Learners
- best learn through listening (verbal lectures, discussions, tapes, etc.)
- “Could you explain that again?”
- auditory learners will try to do what you say – exactly what you say
- they interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch,
speed and other nuances
- helps them process information by hearing and repeating what you have said
3. Kinesthetic or Tactile Learners
- prefer to learn via experience or hands-on approach – moving, touching, and doing (active
exploration of the world; science projects; experiments)
- they may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need
for activity and exploration

Multiple Intelligences
Conceived by Howard Gardner, these are seven different ways to demonstrate intellectual
ability
1. Linguistic Intelligence – the ability to learn languages and to use one’s skills in
using language effectively to accomplish specific goals
2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence – the ability to analyze problems logically.,
includes skills at completing mathematical operations and solving mathematical
problems as well as the ability to investigate hypotheses scientifically
3. Visual/Spatial Intelligence – the ability to represent the spatial world in his or her
own mind, includes skills at recognizing and using pattern
4. Musical Intelligence – abilities in composing and performing music and in
recognizing and composing musical pitches, tones and rhythms. It includes skills in
recognizing and appreciating musical patterns.
5. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence – refers to an individual’s ability to use mental
abilities to coordinate bodily movements.
6. Interpersonal Intelligence – concerned with an individual’s ability to understand the
intentions, motivations, and desires of other people.
 7. Intrapersonal Intelligence – refers to the capacity to understand oneself – one’s
thoughts, feelings, fears, desires, and motivations
8. Naturalist Intelligence – refers to an individual’s ability to recognize, categorize,
and draw upon certain features of the environment
9. Spiritual Intelligence – explores the nature of existence
10. Existential Intelligence – refers to the concern with the ‘ultimate issues’

References:
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_styles
• http://www.grapplearts.com/Learning-Styles-in-Grappling.htm