Different Perspective of Intelligence and Learning - Research Paper Example

100   x x x 90   x x 80             70   x x x 60   x 50   40   30   20   10   0   Sec 1 Naturalist strength   Sec 2 Musical strength   Sec 3 Logical strength   Sec 4 Existential strength   Sec 5 inter-personal strength   Sec 6 kinesthetic strength   Sec 7 verbal strength   Sec 8 intra- personal strength   Sec 9 visual strength Understanding a Different Perspective of Intelligence and Learning My Learning Style Inventory Results         The Multiple Intelligence theory conceptualized by Howard Gardner (1983) has opened several pathways to understanding how people learn. Basically, Gardner claims that intelligence is not limited to the cognitive domain, as traditionally conceptualized. He views it in a much broader sense to include the individual’s affective, social and creative domains. He has come up with a number of intelligences a person possesses within him. No two people have exactly the same intelligence profile. Some may be proficient in one thing and deficient in another. These intelligences are only as good as how individuals use them to their advantage. Several tests and inventories of intelligences have been constructed based on the Multiple intelligence theory. The tests are used to cluster people together according to their abilities. These tests cannot be compared to the standardized intelligence tests in which each score measures a particular aspect of one’s intelligence, but only give the test-taker an idea of where his or her dominant intelligence lie. The learning style inventory I completed from surfaquarium.com designed by McKenzie (1999) asked respondents to put a score of 1 in the items they find are applicable to their personal styles. My own results from taking the inventory report that my strengths lie mostly in musical, existential and intrapersonal intelligences, as I got a perfect score on these sections. Next to these, I scored 90 in Kinesthetic and Verbal intelligences, followed by a score of 70 in naturalist, interpersonal and visual intelligences. I scored lowest in logical intelligence, garnering a score of 60. The results truly surprised me, viewed from a macro perspective and just focusing on the general intelligence categories. I know like music, and my thoughts can run deep on philosophical issues, and can dwell on introspection, but I did not expect I would get perfect scores in those areas of intelligence. What I expected was to score perfectly in verbal, interpersonal and kinesthetic intelligences as I know myself to be gregarious and people-loving and in a constant state of motion, however, I got less than perfect scores in those areas. I also expected to score moderately in naturalist, visual and logical intelligence since I do not excel in the items listed under them. If I focus more on the items in each section, I would understand that the profile that resulted from the inventory made sense. For my own learning style, the inventory suggests that I learn best thinking musically rather than verbally since I have a heightened listening ability. I also am proficient in identifying patterns not just in sound. I also have a strong tendency to see how something relates to the bigger picture, so it is important to summarize details into a larger understanding. Since introspection is one of my dominant intelligence, I know how to sense other’s feelings, attitudes and outlook and am highly conscious of my own emotional states and thought processes. This information is culled from my strengths in the musical, existential and intrapersonal dimensions only (Multiple Intelligence Profiles, 2010). To design an effective educational program based on multiple intelligences, it would entail consideration of personal learning styles. According to Dunn (2000), learning style is the way in which a learner begin to concentrate on, process, and retain new and difficult information. It explains why the same teaching method has different effects on students. Sensing Thinkers use concrete, practical approaches to learning. The Intuitive Thinkers use conceptual and innovative approaches, and are oriented toward theories and meanings. Sensing Feelers use their imagination to see things that cannot be seen by the senses. Intuitive Feelers uses intuition along with feeling. Coupled with the multiple intelligence theory, Dunn’s learning styles may be used to guide educators to create programs that engage learners according to their strengths and learning preferences and experience joy and success in their learning. For instance, if a sensing thinker has strengths in the visual intelligence domain, then he could be provided with a lot of activities requiring him to come up with an art form related to the concept he is studying. The combination of two great theories of learning styles and multiple intelligences is also known as the Integrated Learning Approach (Silver, F., Strong, W., and Perini, M., 2000). It captures the holistic view in education where individuality is given importance and high standards can be met. Differences are acknowledged and given priority as standards are being met. The reality of set curriculum in schools as well as state standards are not considered a hindrance in giving each learner importance. With an integrated approach, standards are knitted and presented in a holistic manner, by theme or other ways, and presented in a manner ‘appealing’ to a student’s learning style and with consideration to his or her ‘intelligence’. It is comforting to think that if one has an aptitude for music, for instance, and is weak at math and science, then he can still excel at something creative and non-academic. In my case, being proficient in rhythm and music, seeing the bigger picture and being sensitive to my own feelings and thoughts as well as of others, as reflected in my learning style inventory, makes up for my lack in logical intelligence. For teachers, knowing the special intelligences of their students will enable them to adjust their teaching methodology accordingly. Math and Science may be taught using strategies that involve music, games, literature, and the like. It also makes learning so much more fun because aside from the variety of experiences the students encounter, it considers every student’s intelligence profile. Ideally, it creates a stimulating learning environment that is conducive to optimal learning and full development of human potential. References Dunn, R. (2000). Learning styles: Theory, research, and practice. National Forum of Applied Educational Research Journal, 13, (1), 3-22. Gardner, H.,(1983) Frames of Mind: the theory of multiple intelligences London: Heinemann McKenzie, W. (1999) Multiple Intelligence Inventory. Retrieved on December 26, 2010 from http://surfaquarium.com/MI/inventory.htm. Multiple Intelligence Profiles (2010) Retrieved on December 29, 2010 from http://surfaquarium.com/MI/profiles/index.htm Silver , H. F. , Strong, R. W., and Perini, M. J. (2000). So Each May Learn: Integrating Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences. Retrieved on December 28, 2010 from http://www.ascd.org/cms Multiple Intelligences Inventory Copyright 1999 Walter McKenzie, The One and Only Surfaquarium Note: This is not a test - it is a snapshot in time of an individual's perceived MI preferences. Looking for a picture based inventory for non-readers? Or an Excel-based inventory that automatically completes your MI profile for you? Multiple Intelligences and Instructional Technology offers both on CD ROM! Click here to learn more! Part I   Complete each section by placing a “1” next to each statement you feel accurately describes you. If you do not identify with a statement, leave the space provided blank. Then total the column in each section.    Section 1 1_____  I enjoy categorizing things by common traits 1____  Ecological issues are important to me 1_____  Classification helps me make sense of new data _____  I enjoy working in a garden 1_____  I believe preserving our National Parks is important 1_____  Putting things in hierarchies makes sense to me 1_____  Animals are important in my life _____  My home has a recycling system in place _____  I enjoy studying biology, botany and/or zoology 1_____  I pick up on subtle differences in meaning   7_____  TOTAL for Section 1       Section 2   1_____  I easily pick up on patterns 1_____  I focus in on noise and sounds 1_____  Moving to a beat is easy for me 1_____  I enjoy making music 1_____  I respond to the cadence of poetry 1_____  I remember things by putting them in a rhyme 1_____  Concentration is difficult for me if there is background noise 1_____  Listening to sounds in nature can be very relaxing 1_____  Musicals are more engagingto me than dramatic plays 1_____  Remembering song lyrics is easy for me   10_____  TOTAL for Section 2       Section 3   _____  I am known for being neat and orderly 1_____  Step-by-step directions are a big help 1_____  Problem solving comes easily to me 1_____  I get easily frustrated with disorganized people _____  I can complete calculations quickly in my head _____  Logic puzzles are fun _____  I can't begin an assignment until I have all my "ducks in a row" 1_____  Structure is a good thing 1_____  I enjoy troubleshooting something that isn't working properly 1_____  Things have to make sense to me or I am dissatisfied   6_____  TOTAL for Section 3       Section 4     1_____  It is important to see my role in the “big picture” of things 1_____  I enjoy discussing questions about life 1_____  Religion is important to me 1_____  I enjoy viewing art work 1_____  Relaxation and meditation exercises are rewarding to me 1_____  I like traveling to visit inspiring places 1_____  I enjoy reading philosophers 1_____  Learning new things is easier when I see their real world application 1_____  I wonder if there are other forms of intelligent life in the universe 1_____  It is important for me to feel connected to people, ideas and beliefs   10_____ TOTAL for Section 4       Section 5   1_____  I learn best interacting with others 1_____  I enjoy informal chat and serious discussion _____  The more the merrier 1_____  I often serve as a leader among peers and colleagues 1_____  I value relationships more than ideas or accomplishments 1_____  Study groups are very productive for me 1_____  I am a “team player” 1_____  Friends are important to me _____  I belong to more than three clubs or organizations _____  I dislike working alone   7_____ TOTAL for Section 5       Section 6   1_____  I learn by doing 1_____  I enjoy making things with my hands _____  Sports are a part of my life 1_____  I use gestures and non-verbal cues when I communicate 1_____  Demonstrating is better than explaining 1_____  I love to dance 1_____  I like working with tools 1_____  Inactivity can make me more tired than being very busy 1_____  Hands-on activities are fun 1_____  I live an active lifestyle   9_____ TOTAL for Section 6       Section 7   1_____  Foreign languages interest me 1_____  I enjoy reading books, magazines and web sites _____  I keep a journal 1_____  Word puzzles like crosswords or jumbles are enjoyable 1_____  Taking notes helps me remember and understand 1_____  I faithfully contact friends through letters and/or e-mail 1_____  It is easy for me to explain my ideas to others 1_____  I write for pleasure 1_____  Puns, anagrams and spoonerisms are fun 1_____  I enjoy public speaking and participating in debates   9_____ TOTAL for Section 7     Section 8   1_____  My attitude effects how I learn 1_____  I like to be involved in causes that help others 1_____  I am keenly aware of my moral beliefs 1_____  I learn best when I have an emotional attachment to the subject 1_____  Fairness is important to me 1_____  Social justice issues interest me 1_____  Working alone can be just as productive as working in a group 1_____  I need to know why I should do something before I agree to do it 1_____  When I believe in something I give more effort towards it 1_____  I am willing to protest or sign a petition to right a wrong   10_____ TOTAL for Section 8     Section 9   1_____  Rearranging a room and redecorating are fun for me 1_____  I enjoy creating my own works of art 1_____  I remember better using graphic organizers 1_____  I enjoy all kinds of entertainment media _____  Charts, graphs and tables help me interpret data 1_____  A music video can make me more interested in a song 1_____  I can recall things as mental pictures _____  I am good at reading maps and blueprints _____  Three dimensional puzzles are fun 1_____  I can visualize ideas in my mind   7_____ TOTAL for Section 9     Part II   Now carry forward your total from each section and multiply by 10 below:   Section Total Forward Multiply Score 1 7 X10   70 2 10 X10   100 3 6 X10   60 4 10 X10   100 5 7 X10   70 6 9 X10   90 7 9 X10   90 8 10 X10   100 9 7 X10 70     Part III   Now plot your scores on the bar graph provided: 100   x x x 90   x x 80             70   x x x 60   x 50   40   30   20   10   0   Sec 1   Sec 2   Sec 3   Sec 4   Sec 5   Sec 6   Sec 7   Sec 8   Sec 9                          Part IV Key:   Section 1 – This reflects your Naturalist strength Section 2 – This suggests your Musical strength Section 3 – This indicates your Logical strength Section 4 – This illustrates your Existential strength Section 5 – This shows your Interpersonal strength Section 6 – This tells your Kinesthetic strength Section 7 – This indicates your Verbal strength Section 8 – This reflects your Intrapersonal strength Section 9 – This suggests your Visual strength Read More