Module One:
What are Learning Styles?
What are Multiple Intelligences?
Created by May Ying Chau at Oregon State University ©2008
Learning Styles
Can be defined as “the preference or predisposition of an
individual to perceive and process information in a
particular way or combination of ways.”
Sarasin L.C., 1998 Learning style perspectives : impact in the classroom . Madison, WI: Atwood
Created by May Ying Chau at Oregon State University ©2008
Learning Styles
Three Areas of Learning Styles
a Cognitive – Mental skills (knowledge)
b. Affective – Growth in feelings or emotional areas (attitude)
c. Physiological – Manual or physical skills (skills)
Created by May Ying Chau at Oregon State University ©2008
Perceptual Elements
This module will emphasize the characteristics of the visual, auditory and
tactile/kinesthetic approaches.
In Dunn’s model, they are called perceptual strengths. See 21 Elements.
Perceptual strength is one of the elements in the physiological strands.
Dunn, R., Dunn, K., & Price, G. E. (1984). Learning style inventory.
Lawrence, KS, USA: Price Systems
Created by May Ying Chau at Oregon State University ©2008
Visual Learners’ Characteristics:
They have two sub-channels –linguistic and spatial.
Visual-linguistic learn through written language.
Visual-spatial learn through charts, demonstrations, videos and other visual materials.
They are good with spatial directions.
(http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles.html#three)
Visual learners are likely to visually interact with information.
These types of learners may also possess other learning styles as well. For example they may:
•
involve emotions, values and outside stimuli (Affective)
•
learn holistically (Global)
•
think in abstract or concrete random
•
may be field dependent
Created by May Ying Chau at Oregon State University ©2008
For more detail, see Sarasin; p.57-59.
Auditory Learners’ Characteristics
•
Often talk to themselves.
•
Have difficulty with reading and writing tasks. They do better if they hear
what was said. (http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles.html#three)
They may also possess these characteristics as well:
•
Independent learners
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Conceptual (concepts related to pieces of information)
•
Skill-oriented
•
Thinking
•
Reflective
•
Abstract sequential
Created by May Ying Chau at Oregon State University ©2008
For more detail, see Sarasin; p.43-45
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners’ Characteristics
•
They do better in touching or moving
•
Have two channels: kinesthetic (movement) and tactile (touch).
•
Need constant external stimulation.
•
They like to get the big picture first and then the details.
(http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles.html#three)
They also
•
Prefer to keep moving or holding something
•
Creative hands-on learning experience
•
Interact with concrete environment or materials
For more detail, see Sarasin; p.71-73
Created by May Ying Chau at Oregon State University ©2008
Multiple Intelligences
This module encourages learners to explore Dr. Howard
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory.
For more information, please read Dr. Gardner’s book
Howard Gardner. Frames of mind : the theory of multiple intelligences. New York, NY.
Basic Books. 2004
Free multiple intelligences test
http://www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm#multiple%20intelligences%20tests
Created by May Ying Chau at Oregon State University ©2008
Nine Forms of Intelligences
Form of intelligences
Characteristics
Visual/ Spatial
See information in mind’ eye for planning, creating and problem solving
Verbal/ Linguistic
Learn through spoken or written words
Mathematical/ Logical
Learn through reason
Bodily Kinesthetic
Learn through interaction with environment through concrete experience
Musical/ Rhythmic
Learn through patterns, rhythms and music
Intrapersonal
Learn through feelings, values and attitudes
Interpersonal
Learn through interaction with others, the ability to collaborate with
others
Naturalist
Learn through classification, categories and hierarchies
Existential
Learn by seeing big picture, the whys/whats; seeks connections to real
world understanding and applications of new learning
For more details, please go to
http://surfaquarium.com/MI/overview.htm
For original Source, read
Howard Gardner. Frames of mind : the theory of multiple intelligences. New York, NY. Basic Books. 2004
Created by May Ying Chau at Oregon State University ©2008
For more information on learning styles and multiple
intelligences, please read:
1. Sarasin L.C.,1998. Learning Styles Perspectives: impact in the classroom.
Madison, WI: Atwood
2. Gardner, H. 2004. Frames of mind: the theory of multiple intelligences.
New York, NY. Basic Books.
3. Dunn, R., Dunn, K., and Price,G. 1981. Learning Style Inventory. Lawrence, Ks:
Price Systems.
4. Clark, D. Created in 2000, last update April, 2008. Learning Styles and
Preferences. http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles.html#three
Created by May Ying Chau at Oregon State University ©2008
End of Module One