Learning Theory

Please see below my assessment which I developed for my University assignment. Any feedback or comments are very much appreciated, any assistance I can gain to help me develop my essay writing skills will be welcomed.

Learning theory

Consult at least three academic sources which discuss a learning theory of your choice. Examples include Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences OR the VAK (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic) learning styles;

GARDNER, H., & HATCH, T. (1989). Multiple Intelligences Go to School. Educational Researcher, 18(8), 4-10.

Silver, H., Strong, R., & Perini, M. (1997). Integrating Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences. Educational Leadership, 55(1), 22-27.

Macnamara, B. N., & Rupani, N. S. (2017). The relationship between intelligence and mindset. Intelligence, 64, 52-59.

Briefly explain what your chosen theory suggests and describe the different categories of learning;

The Theory I have chosen is Howard Gardner (Gardner & Hatch 1989), professor of education at Harvard University, developed his theory of multiple intelligences in 1983. The nine types of intelligences he currently identifies are:

1.     Bodily-kinaesthetic people learn best when moving and by using their bodies in hands on learning experiences.

2.     Existential people learn best by thinking matters through philosophically or globally

3.     Interpersonal people learn best when participating and working cooperatively with others

4.     Intrapersonal people learn best by thinking things through and working on their own

5.     Linguistic people learn best by saying and hearing words

6.     Logical-mathematical people learn best by classifying information, using abstract thought and finding basic principles and patterns

7.     Musical-rhythmic people learn best through melody, music and rhythms

8.     Naturalist people learn best by observing the natural order of things, refereeing to the broader principles in nature.

9.     Spatial people learn best by looking at pictures, watching and observing.

Howard Gardner’s theory suggests that are Intelligences is not just based on one type and that we all have multiple intelligences which are categorised into nine types. The nine types listed above I feel are very similar to personality types and depending on your personal characteristics this will determine which type you are. This would not help determine your IQ or how intelligent you are.

Identify which categories from your chosen theory best describes you and explain the characteristics of this learning type. You must include examples to support your position.

I think it is very hard to categorise myself into only one category because I think I can be a little bit of some of the above categories. In my current position I can use Existential, intrapersonal, logical and Naturalist. Depending on the situation and the circumstance I think in some instances I can be very existential/logical especially when developing policies or strategic plans. However when working with my fellow colleagues on a program for our community I would be more interpersonal/naturalist.

If I had to choose the one that I think fits me best it would be Interpersonal, I always find I work best when I work with others bouncing ideas off each other and working together to come up with the best solution. Team work I feel is the best practice to use for most situations within the workplace, it provides a variety of ideas and can show different ways to find a solution. I also strongly agree with Macnamara, B. N., & Rupani, N. S. (2017) view that growth within one’s self is critical for personal and professional development. Whereas Silver, H., Strong, R., & Perini, M. (1997) perspective is more indirect as this theory suggests that our intellect is determined by our culture, race and disciplines.

REFERENCES:

GARDNER, H., & HATCH, T. (1989). Multiple Intelligences Go to School. Educational Researcher, 18(8), 4-10.

Silver, H., Strong, R., & Perini, M. (1997). Integrating Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences. Educational Leadership, 55(1), 22-27.

Macnamara, B. N., & Rupani, N. S. (2017). The relationship between intelligence and mindset. Intelligence, 64, 52-59.