A Blended Approach to Teaching and Learning
Most of the research conducted in multiple intelligence theory and learning style models have been completed separate from each other. Very few researchers have made the connection that both theories are needed in order to capture a complete understanding of learning. Multiple intelligence theory deals with the cognitive areas of intelligence (ability); it deals with the “what” of learning. Learning styles deal with the “how” of learning - the way individuals perceive and make decisions about information. To research or use only one of these areas gives teachers an incomplete picture. Industrial organizational scholars have long understood that both ability and motivation are important aspects of understanding worker performance. Similarly, educational researchers interested in academic performance must blend multiple intelligence theory with learning styles research in order to establish a holistic model.
Still not convinced? Think about careers that employ individuals with a strength in the verbal/linguistic domain. A few examples include a journalist, a salesperson, a lawyer, and a poet. Multiple intelligence theory would view all of these individuals as the same. Do you think that the linguistically talented Barbara Walters, Zig Ziglar, Johnnie Cochran, and Emily Dickinson all process information in the same way? A deeper understanding of learning would take these verbally gifted individuals and place them into one of Jung’s four learning styles. Journalist Barbara Walters is probably a mastery learner relying on sensing and thinking. She would prefer describing a complex procedure. Poet Emily Dickinson was probably a self-expressive learner who relied on intuition and feeling. She would prefer to write about an idea or procedure. Zig Zigler, a famous salesman, is probably an interpersonal learner – processing by sensing and feeling. He would prefer to make a pitch or write a letter. Attorney Johnnie Cochran is probably an understanding learner and processes through intuition and thinking. He would prefer to make a case or interpret a text. Silver et al. (2000) developed an integrated intelligence menu by combing each of Gardner’s eight intelligences with Jung’s four learning types. A profile for each of these (24 separate profiles) is located below. After taking the multiple intelligence survey (located under the Multiple Intelligence Theory tab) and taking the learning styles inventory survey (located under the Learning Styles tab) you can combine the two and find the integrated intelligence menu below that corresponds with your (or the students). For example, let's say you score high in verbal-linguiestic intelligence. And you also find your are a sensing-thinking learner. You can view the integrated learning menu below for a verbal-lingiustic & sensing-thinking person.
Source: From So Each May Learn: Integrating Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences (pp. 71-75f), by H. F. Silver, R. W. Strong, & M. J. Perini, 2000, Alexandria, VA: ASCD. © 2000 by Silver Strong & Associates (www.ThoughtfulClassroom.com). Used with permission.
Most of the research conducted in multiple intelligence theory and learning style models have been completed separate from each other. Very few researchers have made the connection that both theories are needed in order to capture a complete understanding of learning. Multiple intelligence theory deals with the cognitive areas of intelligence (ability); it deals with the “what” of learning. Learning styles deal with the “how” of learning - the way individuals perceive and make decisions about information. To research or use only one of these areas gives teachers an incomplete picture. Industrial organizational scholars have long understood that both ability and motivation are important aspects of understanding worker performance. Similarly, educational researchers interested in academic performance must blend multiple intelligence theory with learning styles research in order to establish a holistic model.
Still not convinced? Think about careers that employ individuals with a strength in the verbal/linguistic domain. A few examples include a journalist, a salesperson, a lawyer, and a poet. Multiple intelligence theory would view all of these individuals as the same. Do you think that the linguistically talented Barbara Walters, Zig Ziglar, Johnnie Cochran, and Emily Dickinson all process information in the same way? A deeper understanding of learning would take these verbally gifted individuals and place them into one of Jung’s four learning styles. Journalist Barbara Walters is probably a mastery learner relying on sensing and thinking. She would prefer describing a complex procedure. Poet Emily Dickinson was probably a self-expressive learner who relied on intuition and feeling. She would prefer to write about an idea or procedure. Zig Zigler, a famous salesman, is probably an interpersonal learner – processing by sensing and feeling. He would prefer to make a pitch or write a letter. Attorney Johnnie Cochran is probably an understanding learner and processes through intuition and thinking. He would prefer to make a case or interpret a text. Silver et al. (2000) developed an integrated intelligence menu by combing each of Gardner’s eight intelligences with Jung’s four learning types. A profile for each of these (24 separate profiles) is located below. After taking the multiple intelligence survey (located under the Multiple Intelligence Theory tab) and taking the learning styles inventory survey (located under the Learning Styles tab) you can combine the two and find the integrated intelligence menu below that corresponds with your (or the students). For example, let's say you score high in verbal-linguiestic intelligence. And you also find your are a sensing-thinking learner. You can view the integrated learning menu below for a verbal-lingiustic & sensing-thinking person.
Source: From So Each May Learn: Integrating Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences (pp. 71-75f), by H. F. Silver, R. W. Strong, & M. J. Perini, 2000, Alexandria, VA: ASCD. © 2000 by Silver Strong & Associates (www.ThoughtfulClassroom.com). Used with permission.
Verbal-Linguistic & Sensing-Thinking
Example: Journalist Barbara Walters This student is classified as a "Mastery" learner. They have the ability to use language to describe events and sequences. Professions: Journalist, Technical Writer, Administrator, Contractor Useful assignments for this learner:
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Verbal-Linguistic & Sensing-Feeling
Example: Saleswoman Mary Kay Ash This student is classified as a "Interpersonal" learner. They have the ability to use language to build trust and rapport. Professions: Salesperson, Counselor, Clergy, Therapist Useful assignments for this learner:
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Verbal-Linguistic & Intuitive-Thinking
Example: Attorney Johnnie Cochran This student is classified as a "Understanding" learner. They have the ability to develop logical arguments and use rhetoric. Professions: Lawyer, Professor, Orator, Philosopher Useful assignments for this learner:
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Logical-Mathematical & Sensing-Feeling
Example: Martha Stewart turnerThis student is classified as a "Interpersonal" learner. They have the ability to apply mathematics in personal and daily life. Professions: Tradesperson, Homemaker Useful assignments for this learner:
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Logical-Mathematical & Intuitive-Thinker
Example: Scientist Stephen Hawking This student is classified as a "Understanding" learner. They have the ability to use mathematical concepts to conjecture, establish proofs, and apply mathematics and data to construct arguments. Professions: Logician, Computer Programmer, Scientist, Quantitative Problem Solver Useful assignments for this learner:
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Logical-Mathematical & Intuitive-Feeler
Example: Designers, Property Brothers This student is classified as a "Self-Expressive" learner. They have the ability to be sensitive to the patterns, symmetry, logic and aesthetics of mathematics and solve problems in design and modeling Professions: Composer, Engineer Inventor, Designer, Qualitative Problem Solver Useful assignments for this learner:
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Spatial & Sensing-Thinking
Example: Artist Michelangelo This student is classified as a "Mastery" learner. They have the ability to perceive and represent the visual-spacial world accurately Professions: Illustrator, Artist, Guide, Photogropher Useful assignments for this learner:
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Spatial & Sensing-Feeling
Example: Designer David Bromstad This student is classified as a "Interpersonal" learner. They have the ability to arrange color, line, shape, form, and space to meet the needs of others. Professions: Interior Decorator, Painter, Clothing Designer, Weaver, and Builder Useful assignments for this learner:
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Spatial & Intuitive-Thinking
Example: Architect Frank Lloyd Wright This student is classified as a "Understanding" learner. They have the ability to interpret and graphically represent visual or spatial ideas. Professions: Architect, Guide, Iconographer, Photographer Useful assignments for this learner:
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Spatial & Intuitive-Feeling
Example: Pablo Picasso This student is classified as a "Self-Expressive" learner. They have the ability to transform visual or spatial ideas into imaginative and expressive creations. Professions: Artist, Model Builder, Inventor, Cinematographer Useful assignments for this learner:
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Bodily-Kinesthetic & Sensing-Thinking
Example: Jillian Michaels This student is classified as a "Mastery" learner. They have the ability to use the body to and tools to take effective action or to construct or repair. Professions: Mechanic, Trainer, Contractor, Craftsperson, Tool and Dye Maker Useful assignments for this learner:
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Bodily-Kinesthetic & Sensing-Feeling
Example: Coach Vince Lombardi This student is classified as a "Interpersonal" learner. They have the ability to use the body to build rapport, to console and/or persuade, and to support others. Professions: Coach, Counselor, Salesperson, Trainer Useful assignments for this learner:
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Bodily-Kinesthetic & Intuitive-Thinking
Example: Athlete Serena Williams This student is classified as a "Understanding" learner. They have the ability to plan strategically or to critique the actions of the body. Professions: Physical Educator, Sports Analyst, Professional Athlete, Dance Critic Useful assignments for this learner:
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Body-Kinesthetic & Intuitive-Feeling
Example: Fred Astaire This student is classified as a "Self-Expressive" learner. They have the ability to appreciate the aesthetics of the body and to use those values to create new forms of expression. Professions: Sculptor, Choreographer, Actor Dancer, Mime Puppeteer Useful assignments for this learner:
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Musical & Sensing-Thinking
Example: Violin maker, Antonio Stradivari This student is classified as a "Mastery" learner. They have the ability to understand and develop musical technique. Professions: Technician, Music Teacher, Instrument Maker Useful assignments for this learner:
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Musical & Sensing-Feeling
Example: Cellist Yo-Yo Ma This student is classified as a "Interpersonal" learner. They have the ability to respond emotionally to music and to work together to use music to meet the needs of others. Professions: Choral, Band, and Orchestral Performer and/or Conductor of Public Relations in Music Useful assignments for this learner:
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Musical & Intuitive-Thinking
Example: Simon Cowell This student is classified as a "Understanding" learner. They have the ability to interpret musical forms and ideas. Professions: Music Critic, Aficionado, Music Collector Useful assignments for this learner:
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Musical & Intuitive-Feeling
Example: Composer Keith Lockhart This student is classified as a "Self-Expressive" learner. They have the ability to create imaginative and expressive performances and compositions. Professions: Composer, Conductor, Individual/Small Group Performer Useful assignments for this learner:
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Interpersonal & Sensing-Thinking
Example: Donna Shalala This student is classified as a "Mastery" learner. They have the ability to organize people and to communicate clearly what needs to be done. Professions: Administrator, Manager, Politician Useful assignments for this learner:
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Interpersonal & Sensing-Feeling
Example: Maria Montessori This student is classified as a "Interpersonal" learner. They have the ability to use empathy to help others solve problems. Professions: Social Worker, Doctor, Nurse, Therapist , Teacher Useful assignments for this learner:
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Interpersonal & Intuitive-Thinking
Example: Jean Piaget This student is classified as a "Understanding" learner. They have the ability to discriminate and interpret among different kinds of interpersonal clues. Professions: Sociologist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Professor (Psychology, Sociology) Useful assignments for this learner:
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Interpersonal & Intuitive-Feeling
Example: Bill Clinton This student is classified as a "Self-Expressive" learner. They have the ability to influence and inspire others to work towards a common goal. Professions: Consultant, Charismatic Leader, Politician, Evangelist Useful assignments for this learner:
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Intrapersonal & Sensing-Thinking
Example: Urban Planner Le Corbusier This student is classified as a "Mastery" learner. They have the ability to assess one's own strengths, weaknesses, talents, and interests and to use them to set goals. Professions: Planner, Small Business Owner Useful assignments for this learner:
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Intrapersonal & Sensing-Feeling
Example: Oprah Winfrey This student is classified as a "Interpersonal" learner. They have the ability to use understanding of oneself to be of service to others. Professions: Counselor, Social Worker Useful assignments for this learner:
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Intrapersonal & Intuitive-Thinking
Example: Sigmund Freud This student is classified as a "Understanding" learner. They have the ability to form and develop concepts and theories based on an examination of oneself. Professions: Psychologist Useful assignments for this learner:
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Intrapersonal & Sensing-Thinking
Example: Martin Luther This student is classified as a "Self-Expressive" learner. They have the ability to reflect upon one's temperament and to use them to create or express a personal vision. Professions: Artist, Religious Leader, Writer Useful assignments for this learner:
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Naturalist & Sensing-Thinking
Example: Jack Hanna This student is classified as a "Mastery" learner. They have the ability to work with nature directly and effectively. Professions: Farmer, Gardener, Ranger, Horticulturist, Zoologist Useful assignments for this learner:
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Naturalist & Sensing-Feeling
Example: Chef Andrea Beaman This student is classified as a "Interpersonal" learner. They have the ability to use and harness nature to help others and improve people's lives. Professions: Chef, Pharmacist, Doctor, Holistic Medicine, Veterinarian Useful assignments for this learner:
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Naturalist & Intuitive-Thinking
Example: Gary England This student is classified as a "Understanding" learner. They have the ability to analyze/classify natural objects and develop strategies for solving ecological problems. Professions: Biologist, Meteorologist, Ecologist, Environmental Lawyer Useful assignments for this learner:
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Naturalist & Sensing-Thinking
Example: Beth Chatto This student is classified as a "Self-Expressive" learner. They have the ability to appreciate and express the aesthetic qualities of nature Professions: Lanscape Designer, Florist, Nature Photographer/Artist Useful assignments for this learner:
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