WHAT KIND OF LEARNER ARE YOU? Overview Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences/Learning Styles

“All students can learn and succeed, but not all on the same day in the same way” (Spady, 1998, p. 6).

Students often possess abilities in areas that are well outside the realm of standardized tests; they may possess talents in music, art, creative writing, scientific thinking and group leadership, to name only a few.

Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory 1983  Each person possesses all intelligences  We can develop each intelligence to some level of competency  Work together in complex ways  No standard set of attributes (Gardner, 1983; Gardner, 2011).

Multiple intelligences theory was developed as an explanation of how the mind works and processes, not an education policy or standard (Gardner, 2011).

Gardner's Eight Multiple Intelligences Linguistic (uses words effectively) Logical/mathematical (uses numbers effectively) Visual/spatial (is artistically or spatially perceptive) Bodily/kinesthetic (excels at tasks that require physical movement) Musical (perceives and/or expresses musical forms and patterns) Interpersonal (responds well to others) Intrapersonal (is reflective and inner-directed) Naturalist (makes distinctions in the natural world) (Gardner, 2011).

The Use of MI Theory Assists In Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses, Career Development, and Counseling Process  Self knowledge  Enhancement of self esteem  Study habits  Assessment options  Expansion of career possibilities (Gardner, 2011).

What are your talents?

References Gardner, H. (1983). Multiple intelligences: Frames of mind. New York, NY: Basic Books. Gardner, H. (2011). Multiple intelligences: Frames of mind (10th ed.). New York, NY: Basic Books. Spady, W. (1998). Paradigm lost: Reclaiming America’s educational future. Arlington, VA: American Association of School Administrators.