The diversity of intelligence

As we have seen, a fixed mindset sees intelligence as predetermined, but it also

considers only a certain type. Again, this has to do with the ideas behind the IQ model,
which focuses on two of our multiple intelligences: the logical-mathematical and the
verbal-linguistic.

In contrast, I want to introduce you to the theory of multiple intelligences developed by

Howard Gardner at Harvard University. According to this theory, intelligence is not of
one type, but of at least seven different ones:

 logical and mathematical

 verbal and linguistic
 visual and spatial
 physical and natural
 musical and rhythmic
 interpersonal
 intrapersonal

The theory of multiple intelligences puts into perspective the fact that

IQ provides a limited view of intelligence.
However, the theory of multiple intelligences is only one way of looking at it; a mental
tool. As such, it does not represent a biological fact, but rather various sorts of human
activities to which you may apply your brain. For this reason, the exact number of
intelligences and their groupings may vary. Here, I have suggested seven types of
intelligence, but if you do your research, you will find different divisions.
Learning styles
Just as we all have different kinds of intelligences, we also have different preferred
learning styles. These are the ways we are used to learning, or the ways we learn most
easily. We can distinguish between seven different learning styles:

 Visual
 Auditory
 Linguistic
 Practical
 Reflexive
 Social
 Logical-Theoretical
You will usually combine these styles when you’re learning, but some styles may be
more effective or natural for you than others. Recognizing your preferred learning style
is helpful so that you can be as effective as possible in your learning.

Learning methods
It’s also helpful to explore various learning methods. A learning method is a specific
process or learning activity; while a learning style refers to the type of learning involved
in the activity. Below (and linked here as a PDF) is a list of 71 learning methods,
organized by some learning styles. This list was adapted from The Self-Directed
Learning Handbook by Maurice Gibbons. It should be very helpful throughout your
learning practice.

71 Learning Methods

Styles: Social (S) / Reflexive (R) / Theoretical (T) / Practical (P)

(S) ❏ Learn by being told—through lessons, lectures and presentations.

(T) ❏ Learn by being shown—from examples, demonstrations and models.

(T) ❏ Learn from an online or distance education course.

(R) ❏ Learn by observing intensely.

(T) ❏ Learn by studying books or other print resources.

(S) ❏ Learn by asking someone what you want to know.

(T) ❏ Learn by searching the Internet.

(P) ❏ Learn by imitating a skilled performance.

(P) ❏ Learn by practising repeatedly, especially coached practise.

(R) ❏ Learn by mentally rehearsing.

(P) ❏ Learn by seeking direct experiences.

(P) ❏ Learn by conducting an experiment.

(P) ❏ Learn by taking action in the field, by doing it.

(S) ❏ Learn by working co-operatively with others as a team.

(S) ❏ Learn by teaching someone else.

(R) ❏ Learn by teaching yourself.

(T) ❏ Learn by studying media: videos, CDs, tapes and DVDs.

(P) ❏ Learn by preparing a public presentation.

(S) ❏ Learn by working or studying with a mentor.

(P) ❏ Learn by trial and error.

(P) ❏ Learn by dramatisation, by acting it out.

(T) ❏ Learn by grouping, categorising and clarifying.

(T) ❏ Learn by forming concepts based on evidence and reason.

(T) ❏ Learn by creating conceptual maps of relationships among items or ideas.

(R) ❏ Learn by picturing—by seeing and recalling things that are.

(R) ❏ Learn by visualising—by imagining things that might be.

(T) ❏ Learn by thinking metaphorically: link the known to the unknown.

(T) ❏ Learn about ideas by connecting them to what you already know.

(R) ❏ Learn from failure how not to fail; from success, how to succeed.

(P) ❏ Learn from simulations.

(P) ❏ Learn by taking a job that requires the performance you seek.

(R) ❏ Learn by thinking for yourself—forming opinions, reaching conclusions.

(R) ❏ Learn intuitively: discover what you know instinctively.

(S) ❏ Learn by competing with others.

(S) ❏ Learn by playing spontaneously or in games.

(R) ❏ Learn from observing yourself: your thoughts, emotions and actions.

(P) ❏ Learn by striving to achieve an ambitious goal.

(R) ❏ Learn from reflection and contemplation in solitude.

(P) ❏ Learn from travel—new places, new people, new activities.

(P) ❏ Learn by doing what has moral value (for example, helping others).

(S) ❏ Learn by seeking feedback from others about your performance.

(R) ❏ Learn by keeping a working journal of ideas, plans and reflections.

(R) ❏ Learn from a model of outstanding performance.

(P) ❏ Learn by developing effective processes for getting things done.

(P) ❏ Learn by challenging yourself to reach a new level of performance.

(S) ❏ Learn by immersing yourself in an environment / community.

(T) ❏ Learn by taking notes and organising them.

(R) ❏ Learn by writing an essay or a blog post.

(P) ❏ Learn by faking it until you make it.

(P) ❏ Learn by pursuing a badge.

(S) ❏ Unlearn through therapy.

(S) ❏ Learn by playing a video game or a board-game.

(T) ❏ Learn by attending conferences and events.

(P) ❏ Learn by making a YouYube video of your performance.

(R) ❏ Unlearn by questioning your mental models.

 (T) ❏ Learn by drawing an info-graphic.

(T) ❏ Learn by creating a 3D construction (Lego/clay/origami/etc).

(P) ❏ Learn by creating a portfolio.

(S) ❏ Learn by organising a study group.

(P) ❏ Learn by designing specific practise targeted at a micro-skill.

(R) ❏ Learn by monitoring your behaviour and reflecting on it.

(P) ❏ Learn by using a mobile app.

(P) ❏ Learn by recording (video/audio) your performance.

(R) ❏ Learn by creating symbols (jewels, clothes, words, images).

(R) ❏ Learn by encoding info/behaviours into acronyms, design of space or rituals.

(P) ❏ Learn by expressing through movement and dance.

(T) ❏ Learn by visiting a museum, science center or exposition.

(P) ❏ Learn by creating digital media (photo, video, illustration, animation, etc).

(R) ❏ Learn by reading fiction or watching a movie.

(P) ❏ Learn by going through a shocking experience (firewalking, skydiving, etc.).

(P) ❏ Unlearn by using feedback devices/sensors.

In practice
Use the list of 71 learning methods to identify:

 Eight methods that you know are most effective for you;
 Five methods that you have never used but that you feel excited to try out; and
 Three methods that you have never used and that you feel challenged to try out.
Second, choose one method from each of the three lists above. Use each method to
learn one relatively simple thing that you find fun, like learning to make a soufflé,
learning a new card trick or learning the lyrics from a song. This will imply that you learn
three things with three different methods. By doing this, you’ll understand better what a
learning method is and what works for you.

Use your lists when you design your learning plan later on the course.
 Summary
 The theory of multiple intelligences reveals diversity among the ways we can
grow and develop.
 We combine various learning styles when we learn and can benefit from
recognising our learning style preferences.
 Explore a variety of learning methods to make learning more fun and as
effective as possible.

 #