Need and significance of the study

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

“In the early 1980s, developmental psychologist and educational researcher Howard Gardner verified what many parents intuitively know: different children learn in different ways. He observed that even though all individuals in a group seemed to be equally intelligent, a lesson plan that worked successfully for some children didn’t work as well for others.
Howard Gardner’s observations led him to publish Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences in 1983.He asserted that different people approach learning in different ways and that children learn better in school when their individual learning styles are recognized and supported. He outlined seven different learning styles: auditory, visual, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic and logical-mathematical.” (“Auditory, Visual & Kinesthetic: Helping Kids Succeed Through Different Learning Styles” by Sarah Mead)
Education has traditionally been focused around linguistic and logical-mathematical learning styles, however student centered learning models such as the Montessori method and the International Baccalaureate program have found success helping children learn in the way that is best for them.
1. A Closer Look at the Auditory and Visual Learning Styles
1. Auditory Learning Style:
Auditory learners learn best through their sense of hearing. This means they remember and understand new concepts better when they are explained out loud—even if they’re doing the speaking themselves. They can even better retain knowledge when new ideas are paired with nonverbal sounds such as music, drum beats or clapping.
How to recognize Auditory Learners
Children who are auditory learners often love music and can remember the words to songs they hear. They can easily follow spoken directions and, if they don’t understand something, will often say, “Tell me again.” Auditory learners like to read out loud, rather than silently, even when they’re alone. They would much rather have someone read a story to them than read it to themselves. The auditory learner’s understanding is much stronger when their teacher explains something to the class, rather than when they’re given a reading assignment
How to Help Auditory Learners
Teachers or parents should encourage a child who is an auditory learner to say things out loud. For example, a mini spelling bee can help child practice spelling words by saying the letters rather than writing them out. You can also help your child practice reading by getting some books on tape and encouraging them to read along with the spoken words of the story.
If your child has a lesson to learn, try recording them reading the lesson out loud and they should be given the audio to listen to later. When they’re stumped by a new concept, start a conversation about it, and let the child work through the logic of the problem by talking to you about it. When they’re trying to memorize something, suggest making up a silly song about it. Auditory learners are also often intrigued by word play and language patterns. For early readers, try books by Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss.
2. Visual Learning Style:
As the name suggests, visual learners learn best when their sense of sight is engaged. They quickly show an affinity for books and reading, starting with picture books and quickly moving on to books with text. They are engaged by bright colors and clear diagrams and can learn from videos, demonstrations and classroom handouts. Of the three different learning styles, visual learning most closely conforms to traditional classroom teaching methods. Visual learners can glean information from reading assignments, from taking and reviewing handwritten notes and from the flip charts, diagrams and other visual aids that many teachers use.
How to Recognize Visual Learners
Visual learners can often be found at the front of the classroom, soaking up whatever they see their teacher write on the board. They are fascinated by bright colors and motion and will often use posters and mobiles to brighten their rooms. They like to draw and paint. Once they’ve read a story, they can retell it down to the smallest detail. They often say, “Show me,” when they’re trying to learn something new and like to see someone else perform a task before they try it themselves.
How to Help Visual Learners
If a child is a visual learner, surround him or her with books. It will be noticed that even before he or she can read, the child will be interested in bright pictures and the stories they represent. A visual learner is probably also a budding artist. To help them remember information more clearly, stock up art supplies that they can use to create visual representations of what they’re learning. Visual learners can create drawings to help remember important facts, identify the main elements of a story line and solidify the meaning of new words in their heads.
Other good learning aids for visual learners include highlighters to use with notes and reading assignments, a small white board to create quick concept sketches, and flashcards. Since visual learners can easily become distracted if too many sights and colors compete for their attention, create a quiet, non-distracting space for them to work on their homework.