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Learning Styles - a new look to Education

© Carlie Vanwilligen

Every student has one. By now, every educator should be able to recognize one when he or she sees it. A backpack? Acne? No, a learning style! Learning styles are a buzzword in education. First documented by Howard Gardner of Harvard University, learning styles theory gives educators a new way of reaching out to students. When lecture and pen and pencil tests aren't helping some students achieve, integrating learning styles into the classroom can give those students the boost they need to achieve.

What are Learning Styles?

There are two schools of thought on learning styles: the traditional, which focuses on students themselves, and a more global study of individuals and the environmental factors of the learning environment (Dunn, Dunn, & Price, 1979, 1980, 1990). According to Gardner, there are eight specific learning styles, called Multiple Intelligences theory: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Kinesthetic, Logical-Mathematical, Musical-Rhythmic, Naturalist, Verbal-Linguistic, and Visual-Spatial. Students can be strongly one style, or can be a combination of many different styles. Each learning style has individual characteristics, some of which are not addressed in traditional learning environments. In the Dunn model, there are five stimuli, all of which affect the environment in which our students learn: Environmental, Emotional, Sociological, Physical, and Psychological.

Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

Interpersonal Intelligence - a student who exhibits interpersonal intelligence uses both verbal and non-verbal communication skills to relate to others. He or she is able to notice and make distinctions among individuals, and is sensitive to the moods, temperaments, and motivations of others. These learners are very good at "group" work, and can cooperate with others, often deferring to another student's perspective. I like to think of these students as "touchy-feely," normally very outgoing and eager to participate in class.

Intrapersonal Intelligence - intrapersonal learners are those who may seem to be withdrawn when in class. These students have exceptional concentration skills. They are aware of their own feelings, and will express them when asked. Almost introverted, these students are good at using higher order thinking and reasoning skills.

Kinesthetic - when every child enters kindergarten, he or she is a kinesthetic learner. This type of learner must be moving, and touching, everything. These learners have excellent physical control. They are able to learn by "mime," and their awareness expands through use of physical motion and activities.

Logical-Mathematic - the logical-mathematical learners are those that are able to recognize patterns. These students use both inductive and deductive reasoning in order to solve a problem. They are able to see the relationship and connection between objects. They are often excellent at using calculation to solve complex problems. I think of these students as my "order" students, the students who invariably insist on having lists of steps and one "right" answer to problems.

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