One-size fits all does not apply to education and the way people learn. In 1983, Howard Gardner introduced the multiple intelligence (MI) theory. This theory, just like most, was met with reprehensions. In spite of these reprehensions, this theory revolutionized education because it suggested that all people did not learn the same way and that individuals possess different forms of intelligences. The seven intelligences that he introduced were:
- verbal linguistic – word smart
- logical mathematical – logic smart
- visual-spatial – picture smart
- bodily-kinesthetic – body smart
- musical – music smart
- interpersonal – people smart
- intrapersonal – self smart
I believe that people learn best when the materials are presented in multiple formats. This is what Gardner emphasized with his theory. He shared the need for teachers to teach students according to their learning styles, differentiate instruction. Many teachers still struggle with differentiating instruction because they tend to teach to their learning style because that is what they are comfortable with. I have not only seen this issue in classroom instruction but this is a prevalent issue with online classes. Often the course material is geared more towards the linguistic or auditory learners.
A learning theory “comprises a set of constructs linking observed changes in performance with what is thought to bring about those changes” (Driscoll, 2005). For an idea or thought to become a theory, three components must be defined: the results, the means, and the inputs. In educational technology, a learning theory will describe how these technologies affect learning and if these technologies have a true impact on learning.
Here are two multiple intelligence self-assessments that I found on the web.
References
Driscoll, M.P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education
Jackson, A., Gaudet, L., McDaniel, L., & Brammer, D. (2009). Curriculum integration: The use of technology to support learning. Journal of College Teaching & Learning, 6(7), 71-78.
Lazear, D. (2008). MiQ. Retrieved from http://www.davidazeargroup.com/
Literacyworks. (n.d.). Multiple intelligences for adult and education. Retrieved from http://literacyworks.org/.
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