The document discusses Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, which proposes that individuals possess eight different types of intelligences: bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, verbal/linguistic, logical/mathematical, musical, visual/spatial, and naturalist. The author reflects on how this theory aligns with their view that individuals learn in different ways and have different strengths. While critics question applying all eight intelligences in lessons, the author believes schools should nurture all intelligences to help more students succeed. The author's preferred learning styles are musical and visual.

1. REFLECTION ON HOW
PEOPLE LEARN?
DEFINING LEARNING AND LOOKING AT HOW PEOPLE LEARN IN DIFFERENT WAYS

2. WHAT IS LEARNING?
In my opinion learning can be described as:
• Acquiring a new skill
• Taking in information and Knowledge
• Storing information in our memory

3. LEARNING STYLES
• The concept of learning styles became apparent as
psychologists examined how children used their strengths
and skills to comprehend and study new materials
(Walkup, 2011)
Image Source: http://kindredgrace.com/learning-styles/

4. BUT HOW DO WE LEARN?
• A theory I have found particularly interesting is Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence
Theory
Image Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/howard-
gardner/

5. HIS BELIEF
• Howard Gardner believes every individual has eight different types of
intelligences
• He believes they are mutually exclusive
• And that they carry equal weight
(Walsh, 2011)
Image Source:
http://www.amazon.com/Multiple-Intelligences-
Theory-Practice-Reader/dp/046501822X

6. THE 8 DIFFERENT INTELLIGENCES
Image Source:
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts/2013-01-
18/Understanding-Your-Student-s-Learning-Style-The-Theory-

7. 1. BODILY KINESTHETIC
• The ability to think using movements and your body (Walkup, 2011).
• Learners with this intelligence tend to learn through
• Role play
• Forming physical examples
• Visiting museums
• Exercising while going over work
Image Source: http://www.slideshare.net/JudithBorrsAndrs/kinesthetic-power-point-
9673485

8. 2. INTERPERSONAL
• Interpersonal intelligence focuses on a person’s potential to understand other
people (Walkup, 2011)
• It involves communicating with others
• They excel while:
• studying in groups
• comparing and contrasting ideas
• relating things to personal experiences
Image Source: http://infed.org/mobi/facilitating-
learning-and-change-in-groups-and-group-sessions/

9. 3. INTRAPERSONAL
• Intrapersonal intelligence is being self smart, understanding yourself and being
capable to reflect on their feelings, fears, thoughts and actions (Walkup, 2011)
• It involves self discovery and analysis
• It can enable an individual to control their own life
• These learners are great at:
• avoiding distractions
• making goals
• working alone
Image Source: http://newsroom.xprep.co/2016/02/studying-
alone-vs-group-study/

10. 4. VERBAL/LINGUISTIC
• Reading, writing, speaking, listening and debating are all characteristics of a
learner with this intelligence
• These individuals have an ability to learn languages easily
• These learners would make up rhymes, memorise and read as a way of learning
• Can use language to express themselves effectively
(Walkup, 2011)
Image Source: https://gradeslam.org/blog/4-reasons-to-
learn-new-languages-early

11. 5. LOGICAL/MATHEMATICAL
• The capability to solve problems (Walkup, 2011)
• Learn best by:
• Recording information
• Analysing data
• Conducting experiments
Image Source:
http://mathgeekmama.com/about-math-
geek-mama/

12. 6. MUSICAL
• the understanding of how music is composed and performed (Walkup, 2011)
• A learner would learn by:
• making up songs
• talking out loud
• changing tempo
Image Source:
https://voiceleading.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/the-art-of-
intuition/

13. 7. VISUAL/SPATIAL
• Involves the use of pictures and patterns to learn (Walkup, 2011)
• Ability to visualise patterns of wide space and confined areas
• These learners can learn by:
• watching videos
• using visual aids such as pictures
Image Source:
http://www.bettefetter.com/home

14. 8. NATURALIST
• These learners are great at reflecting, learning and understanding the natural
world (Walkup, 2011)
• They can recognise and categorise certain features of the environment
• To study they use:
• the environment around them
• their senses
Image Source:
http://www.uvlt.org/2013/04/what-inspires-the-

15. CRITICS
• Critics have challenged Gardner’s theory and questioned the ability to use all
eight intelligences in each lesson
• Gardner has acknowledged this and believes that only two or three should be
included into each lesson
(McCown and Snowman, 2012)

16. PERSONAL REFLECTION
• I am quite interested in Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
• From my experience in school and from observing people I believe individuals do
have different types and levels of intelligences. While one student may excel in verbal
and linguistic abilities, another may excel in musical abilities.
• Schools in Ireland mainly focus on linguistic and mathematical intelligences and tend
not to do well with musical and spatial intelligences as they treat them as
extracurricular activities
• Interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences are not even part of the curriculum in
schools.
• I believe that if we nurture all the different kinds of intelligences than a lot more
students will succeed in school and in learning
Image Source: http://robertscooke.com/taking-time-
personal-reflection/

17. • Personally I like Gardner’s MI theory as it caters for many different learning styles
allowing for all students to excel in school.
• On reflection my learning styles would be musical and visual
• In turn I think this theory will motivate all the students to work to their best ability
as it caters to their abilities and interests
• I hope to be able to employ this theory of Multiple Intelligences into my
classroom in the future

18. REFERENCES
• McCown, Rick and Snowman, Jack. (2012) Psychology Applied to Teaching, 13th
edition, USA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
• Walkup, Vivienne. (2011) Exploring Education Studies, 1st Edition. Essex: Pearson
Education Limited.
• Walsh, Brendan. (2011) Education Studies in Ireland, 1st edition. Dublin: Gill &
Macmillan LTD.