What Kind of Learner Are You?

In his 1983 book “Frames of mind”, psychologist Howard Gardner suggests that all people have 7 different kinds of intelligences – musical, body- kinaesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, logical-mathematical, spatial-visual & linguistic intelligences.

According to Gardner, students learn in ways that are identifiably different. While a person might be particularly strong in a specific area such as interpersonal intelligence, they can also be strong in verbal and musical intelligence. Therefore a teacher should take this into account and should teach and assess their students through a variety of means.

So now, let’s go through the 7 different kinds of intelligences …

If you have a visual-spatial intelligence, you think in terms of physical space as do architects. You might like to draw, read maps, daydream. You prefer to be taught through drawings and physical imagery (Photos, graphics, video, television).

If you have a bodily-kinaesthetic intelligence, you probably like movement, make and touch things. You may also find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by your need for activity and exploration. You will be better at learning through physical activity, hands-on learning, role-playing etc.

If you have a musical intelligence, you are sensitive to sounds and you will study better with music in the background. You will learn better turning lessons into lyrics, singing etc.

If you have an interpersonal intelligence, you prefer to learn through interaction with others. So you can be taught through group activities, seminars, dialogues. Tools include the telephone, video conferencing, email etc.

If you have an intrapersonal intelligence, you are the most independent of the learners. Very much in tune with your inner feelings. You have intuition and motivation as well as strong will & opinions. You can easily learn through independent study using books, creative materials etc.

If you have a linguistic intelligence , you use words effectively and often think in words. You like reading and playing word games, make up stories etc.

If you have a logical-mathematical intelligence, you think conceptually and like to experiment, solve puzzles. You love to be taught through logic games, investigations etc.

So let’s see how you learn best by taking this multiple intelligences quiz to discover the area in which you are strongest.