Multiple Intelligences Theory

A popular theory in this arena is Multiple Intelligences Theory. Conceived by Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences are eight different ways to demonstrate intellectual ability. Although not a theory of Learning Styles per se (see Dr Gardner's book Intelligence Reframed Basic Books, 1999) it is still germane to this topic.

This intelligence has to do with the ability to visualize objects and create mental images. People high in this intelligence are good with visual arts, navigation, architecture and games such as chess. It seems likely that web based training can be designed that is effective with this intelligence by including pictures, graphs, drawings, diagrams, and/or video.

This intelligence has to do with words and language. It is used in listening, speaking, reading and writing. It is likely that web based training can be designed that is effective with this intelligence by including text and/or recorded voice.

This intelligence has to do with the ability recognizing tonal patterns, rhythm and beat not only in musical instruments but also environmental sounds including the human voice. It seems likely that web based training can be designed that is effective with this intelligence by including poems and/or songs that provide the information. Some thought should also be given to associating concepts with musical tones or themes. Including natural sounds for appropriate topics might also be useful.

This intelligence has to do with inductive and deductive reasoning, numbers and relationships. People high in this intelligence find it easier to recognize patterns, work with geometric shapes and make connections between pieces of information. Perhaps web based training for these learners should include research results and well ordered logical presentations of new information.

This intelligence is related to physical movement and the knowledge of the body. People high in this intelligence are good at expressing themselves with body language and interpreting same. Dancers, choreographers, acrobats, chiropractors, physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons are usually high in this intelligence and it can be quite useful for professional negotiators as well. It seems unlikely that effective web based training can be designed for this intelligence but there are some strategies that might be used to make it more appealing such as including images of dancers or facial expressions. Using analogies to bodily functions may also appeal to these learners such as comparing a computer network to the human nervous system. Use of video which includes human beings doing things may also be useful with these learners.

This intelligence has to do with person-to-person relationships including the ability to communicate with others as well as to have empathy for their feelings and beliefs. The effectiveness of web based training with this intelligence might be difficult to assess. Certainly it could be appealed to directly if the topic were Literature but it is hard to see how Mathematics might be made easier for someone with this intelligence. These learners would probably be better served by chat rooms, discussion forums and dialog databases included in their web based training. Interaction with a "virtual" teacher would probably also be useful.

This intelligence has to do with self knowledge and awareness. People high in this intelligence are much more likely to do well with any kind of web based training since they are much less dependent on the social interaction of a traditional classroom to be successful with learning. In fact, the impersonal, almost private, nature of web based training will probably make it very appealing to this kind of learner.

This intelligence has to do with knowledge of the natural world. Appealing to this kind of learner with web based training would include the use of natural analogies, images taken from nature, and colors normally found in nature.