Theories of Intelligence and Learning Styles

• Structural Theories of Intelligence

• Process Theories of Intelligence

What is Intelligence?
INTELLIGENCE
Intelligence has been defined in many different ways such as in terms of one's
capacity for logic, abstract thought, understanding, self-awareness,
communication, learning Emotional knowledge, memory, planning, creativity,
and problem solving

Louis L. Thurstone – Primary Mental Abilities

Psycologist Louis L. Thurstone (1887-1955) offered a differing theory of intelligence.
Instead of viewing intelligence as a single, general ability Thurstone’s theory focused on
seve different “primary mental abilities”

7 Primary Mental Abilities

- Verbal comprehension
- Reasoning
- Perceptual speed
- Numerical ability
- Word Influencer
- Associative memory
- Spatial visualization

Howard Gardner – Multiple Intelligences

One of the more recent ideas to emerge is Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple
intelligences. Instead of focusing on the analysis of test scores, Gardner proposed that
numerical expressions of human intelligence are not a full and acurate depiction of
people’s abilities. His theory describes eight distinct inteligences that are based on skills
and abilities that are valued within different cultures.

The Eight Distinct Inteligences

- Visual-spatial Inteligence
- Verbal-linguistic Intelligece
- Bodily-Kinestic Intelligence
- Logical-mathematical Intelligence
- Interpersonal Intelligence
- Musical Inteligence
- Intra Personal Intelligence
- Naturalistic Intelligence
Robert Sternberg – Thriarchic Theory of Intelligence
Psychologist Robert Sternberg defined intelligence as “mental activity directed toward
purposive adaptation to, selection and shaping of, real-world environments relevant to
one’s life.” While he agreed with Gardner that intelligence is much broader than a
single, general ability, he instead suggested some of Gardner’s intelligences are better
viewed as individual talents.

Three Factors of “Successful Intelligence” (Steberg)

- Analytical intelligence:This component refers to problem-solving abilities.
- Creative intelligence: This aspect of intelligence involves the ability to deal with new
situations using past experiences and current skills.
- Practical intelligence: This element refers to the ability to adapt to a changing
environment.

Integrating Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences

In integrating these major theories of knowledge, we moved through three steps. First,
we attempted to describe, for each of Gardner's intelligences, a set of four learning
processes or abilities, one for each of the four learning styles. For linguistic intelligence,
for example, the Mastery style represents the ability to use language to describe events
and sequence activities; the Interpersonal style, the ability to use language to build trust
and rapport; the Understanding style, the ability to develop logical arguments and use
rhetoric; and the Self-expressive style, the ability to use metaphoric and expressive
language.
 Mastery Interpersonal
The ability to use the body and tools The ability to use the body to build
to take effective action or to rapport, to console or persuade, and
construct or repair. to support others.
Mechanic, Trainer, Contractor, Coach, Counselor, Salesperson,
Craftsperson, Tool and Dye Maker Trainer

Kinesthetic

Understanding
The ability to plan strategically or to
critique the actions of the body.
Physical Educator, Sports Analyst,
Professional Athlete, Dance Critic
Self-Expressive
The ability to appreciate the
aesthetics of the body and to use
those values to create new forms of
expression.
Sculptor, Choreographer, Actor,
Dancer, Mime, Puppeteer

What is Learning Styles

The term “learning styles” speaks to the understanding that every student learns
differently. Technically, an individual’s learning style refers to the preferential way
in which the student absorbs, processes, comprehends and retains information.

Swot Strategies
Referred to as SWOT (“Study Without Tears”), Flemings provides advice on how
students can use their learning modalities and skills to their advantage when
studying for an upcoming test or assignment.

Visual SWOT Strategies

- Utilize graphic organizers such as charts, graphs, and diagrams.
- Redraw your pages from memory.
- Replace important words with symbols or initials.
- Highlight important key terms in corresponding colors.

Aural SWOT Strategies

- Record your summarized notes and listen to them on tape.
- Talk it out. Have a discussion with others to expand upon your understanding of
a topic.
- Reread your notes and/or assignment out loud.
- Explain your notes to your peers/fellow “aural” learners.

Read/Write SWOT Strategies

- Write, write and rewrite your words and notes.
- Reword main ideas and principles to gain a deeper understanding.
- Organize diagrams, charts, and graphic organizers into statements.

Kinesthetic SWOT Strategies

- Use real life examples, applications and case studies in your summary to help
with abstract concepts.
- Redo lab experiments or projects.
- Utilize pictures and photographs that illustrate your idea.

Overview of Learning Styles

Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and
techniques. Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has
a mix of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of
learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use
different styles in different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your
styles fixed. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further
develop styles that you already use well.
The Seven Learning Styles

Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.

Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

Strengths and Limitations of a Learning-Style Model

- They tend to focus on how different individuals process information across
many content areas.
- They recognize the role of cognitive and affective processes in learning and,
therefore, can significantly deepen our insights into issues related to motivation.
- They tend to emphasize thought as a vital component of learning, thereby
avoiding reliance on basic and lower-level learning activities.

We believe that the integration of learning styles and multiple intelligence theory
may minimize their respective limitations and enhance their strengths, and we
provide some practical suggestions for teachers to successfully integrate and
apply learning styles and multiple intelligence theory in the classroom.

The term interpersonal style overlaps with Gardner's interpersonal intelligence.

In Gardner's model, interpersonal intelligence is a category related to the content
and products of knowledge. In our learning-style model, the interpersonal style
refers to a way of processing knowledge.
Gardner has recently introduced an eighth intelligence—naturalist. Although our
integrated intelligence menus can easily accommodate this new category, we
have chosen to work only with the classic seven intelligences.
References

Briggs, K.C., and I.B. Myers. (1977). Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Palo Alto, Calif.:
Consulting Psychologists Press.
Butler, K. (1984). Learning and Teaching Style in Theory and Practice. Columbia,
Conn.: The Learner's Dimension.
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New
York: Basic Books.
Gardner, H. (1993). Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice. New York: Basic
Books.
Gregorc, A. (1985). Inside Styles: Beyond the Basics. Maynard, Mass.: Gabriel
Systems, Inc.
Jung, C. (1927). The Theory of Psychological Type. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton
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McCarthy, B. (1982). The 4Mat System. Arlington Heights, Ill.: Excel Publishing Co.
Silver, H.F., and J.R. Hanson. (1995). Learning Styles and Strategies. Woodbridge,
N.J.: The Thoughtful Education Press.
Silver, H.F., and R.W. Strong. (1997). Monographs for Learning Style Models and
Profiles. (Unpublished research).