Description

Learners have different learning styles (or more accurately, different learning preferences). One theory proposes that there are eight “intelligences.” A learner may have some that are dominant and others that are weaker. An instructor can integrate different activities into a lesson plan that appeal to different people’s learning preferences.

Advantages

• Inclusion: Instructors can utilize this theory to engage learners in learning experiences that match their learning preferences.
• Attempts to be learner-centered and teach in ways that are appealing to learners.

Disadvantages

• It is unclear whether an instructor must create lessons catered to a learner’s learning preference or help learners strengthen their skills in areas they identify as their weaknesses.
• If learners are not given a chance to practice all “styles” (not just their preferences), they may miss essential skills, such as mathematical skills or literacy skills.

Implementation

1. Linguistic: If your learners excel in linguistics, encourage them to write for a variety of goals, including to entertain, inform, or persuade. Let them present their work in speeches and presentations that rely heavily on linguistic skills.
2. Logical-mathematical: These learners are skilled with numbers. Allow them to collect, analyze, and present data while showcasing their strong reasoning skills.
3. Visual-spatial: Student artists and visual thinkers can design and visualize. They take the numbers from logical-mathematical learners and present them in graphics. Learners who are dominant in the visual-spatial intelligence are also good at solving puzzles and interpreting space.
4. Intrapersonal: Learners with strong evaluation skills are considered intrapersonal. They often do their best work when reflecting independently. Consider having them keep interactive notebooks to show off their strength.
5. Interpersonal: Learners with dominant interpersonal skills make excellent leaders and team captains. They are skilled communicators, which makes them natural actors or debaters.
6. Musical: Some learners benefit from showing you what they have learned through sound and rhythm.
7. Bodily-kinesthetic: You will have learners who need to show you what they know by moving. They may pantomime, act out, or even dance. Bodily-kinesthetic learners often enjoy the competition.
8. Naturalistic: Almost empathic, these learners relate best to nature and their environment. They will find themselves drawn to the plants and animals you have in your classroom.