3.3 Learning styles and multiple intelligences
Intelligence is presumed to be a universal, probably innate, capacity where linguistic and logical use of symbols is privileged in specific cultural settings. Gardner, the founding author on multiple intelligences, challenged the assumptions of specific cultural settings and the emphasis on the linguistic and logical. He developed a set of relatively autonomous human intelligences. These are logical-mathematical, linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily-kinaesthetic, interpersonal and intrapersonal (see also the following figure), as explained below.
- Logical mathematical intelligence is the capacity and sensitivity to discern patterns. These learners have the capacity to work with numbers and engage in higher-order thinking. People with this type of intelligence like to complete experiments, solve puzzles/problems, work with numbers, ask cosmic questions and explore patterns and relationships.
- Linguistic intelligence is the most well known in the Western world. This intelligence involves sensitivity to the sounds, rhythms and meanings of words and different functions of language. It is the capacity to communicate effectively in writing or orally. Linguistic people like to read, write and tell stories. They may be good at memorising names, places, dates and other detailed information.
- Musical intelligence from a neurological perspective is the first of the intelligences to develop. Some suggest this intelligence should be called the 'auditory/vibrational intelligence' as it is more than music and rhythm. It deals with the whole realm of sound and vibration - from the natural and/or human environment, from machines, from musical instruments and from voice. The consciousness-altering effects of music, rhythm, sound and vibration are probably more powerful than any of the other intelligences.
- Bodily/kinaesthetic intelligence is probably the type most taken for granted. This intelligence is about the ability to control one's body movements to handle objects skilfully. People with good bodily/kinaesthetic intelligence do well at physical activities and crafts.
- Spatial intelligence deals with the relationships and placement of objects in the space-time continuum; that is, where one object is in relation to another. It includes directionality and everything people see: all conceivable shapes, specific patterns and designs, both regular and irregular, concrete and abstract images and the entire spectrum of colour and texture. It also includes the capacity to visualise and dream about the possible.
- Interpersonal intelligence is the capacity to discern and respond appropriately to the moods, temperaments, motivation and desires of other people. Interpersonal intelligence is about human relationships, collaboration with others and learning from and about people; it is often taken for granted. These people like to have lots of friends, talk to people and join groups. They are good at understanding people, leading others, organising, communicating, manipulating and mediating conflicts.
- Intrapersonal intelligence reflects humans' capacity for self-consciousness, the ability to step back from oneself, reflect on oneself and learn from one's reflection. People with strong intrapersonal intelligence have access to their feelings and the ability to discriminate among them and draw upon them to guide their behaviour. They have a good knowledge of their strengths and weakness (Gardner & Hatch, 1993; Vincent & Ross, 2001; Gardner, 2002).
Figure 1 Seven ways of knowing (Lazear, 1994:25 )
Adapted by David Lazear (1991), Seven Ways of Knowing . Illinois : Skylight, © 1995 Hawker Brownlow Education.
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