Understanding Your Child’s Learning Style

In 1991 Howard Gardner, a university professor at Harvard proposed that students possess a combination of seven distinct bits of intelligence. He reasoned that the biggest challenge for education systems in the 21st century was catering towards these seven different bits of intelligence.

According to Gardner, “the current education system assumes that everyone can learn the same materials in the same way and that a uniform, universal measure suffices to test student learning.  The current educational system is heavily biassed toward linguistic modes of instruction and assessment and, to a somewhat lesser degree, toward logical-quantitative modes as well.” 

Unfortunately, our current educational system is better suited for ranking students than catering to them. Through Tutor2you’s state of the art diagnostic assessments, our tutors can tailor their lessons to suit a student’s specific learning style. (Learn more about the student assessment here)

Gardner’s 7 Learning Styles

Visual-Spatial – think in terms of physical space, as do architects and sailors. Very aware of their environments. They like to draw, do jigsaw puzzles, read maps, daydream. They can be taught through drawings, verbal and physical imagery. Tools include models, graphics, charts, photographs, drawings, 3-D modelling, video, video conferencing, television, multimedia, texts with pictures/charts/graphs.

Bodily-kinesthetic – use the body effectively, like a dancer or a surgeon. A keen sense of body awareness. They like movement, making things, touching. They communicate well through body language and be taught through physical activity, hands-on learning, acting out role-playing. Tools include equipment and real objects.

Musical – show sensitivity to rhythm and sound. They love music, but they are also sensitive to sounds in their environments. They may study better with music in the background. They can be taught by turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically, tapping out time. Tools include musical instruments, music, radio, stereo, CD-ROM, multimedia.

Interpersonal – understanding, interacting with others. These students learn through interaction. They have many friends, empathy for others, street smarts. They can be taught through group activities, seminars, dialogues. Tools include the telephone, audio conferencing, time and attention from the instructor, video conferencing, writing, computer conferencing, E-mail.

Intrapersonal – understanding one’s own interests, goals. These learners tend to shy away from others. They’re in tune with their inner feelings; they have wisdom, intuition and motivation, as well as a strong will, confidence and opinions. They can be taught through independent study and introspection. Tools include books, creative materials, diaries, privacy and time. They are the most independent of the learners.