Question

Please write two paragraphs commenting on the different forms of intelligence and learning styles, who it would benefit and why?

Answer 1

Intelligence refers to individual's ability to comprehend information, process, and act suitably. Intelligence is defined and classified into types by many researchers and theorists. According to Spearman, intelligence is function of 2 types of factors, i.e., 'g' factor (general intelligence) and 's' factor (specific intelligence). Thurstone identified intelligence comprises of several mental abilities like verbal comprehension, number facility, spatial relations, perceptual speed, word fluency, associative memory, and reasoning. According to Cattell, there are 2 types of intelligence such as fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence. According to Howard Gardner's multiple model of intelligence, there are 9 types of intelligence.

Below given are Gardner's types of intelligence:

1. Linguistic: This is an ability of reading, writing, speaking. It involves comprehending words, analyzing, expressing/communicating through language.

2. Logical-Mathematical: This is ability to analyze logically through abstract reasoning, data interpretation, inductive and deductive thinking pattern, etc.

3. Spatial: This is an ability to think and analyze in 3 dimensions. Artists, surveyors, geologists are good at spatial intelligence.

4. Musical: This is an ability to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone. Musicians and philosophers have high musical intelligence.

5. Bodily-Kinesthetic: This is synchronization of mental and physical abilities. This includes sensing and acting instantly according to situation.

6. Intrapersonal: This is an ability to understand self. This involves individual having self awareness of capacity, knowledge, and skills.

7. Interpersonal: This is an ability to understand others and establish new relationships. Here, individual's ability to understand how others feeling in particular situation, understanding of possible reaction from others to stimuli, etc.

8. Naturalist: This intelligence is related to sense of nature. It is individual's ability to understand about natural phenomena like rainfall, different vegetables, foods, living beings, altitude, etc.

9. Existential: This intelligence is related to individual's ability to gain knowledge about meaning and purpose of life, how life begins, etc.

Learning is defined as process of acquiring knowledge and skill. Learning styles refer to individual's style of acquiring knowledge or skill. There are many models for learning like David Kolb's model, Peter Henry and Alan Mumford model, cognitive approaches, etc.

Below are some learning styles:

1. Visual: In this style of learning, individual prefers to use pictures and images for acquiring knowledge about particular thing. Example: Use of infographic or studying geography through looking globe. This style would benefit geographers, sailors, artists, etc.

2. Auditory: Here, learning happens through listening to sounds. Example: Learning about climate changes by listening sound of wind. Learning through listening audio lectures. This style would benefit musicians, dramatists, etc.

3. Verbal: In this learning style, using words and written communication preferred. Example: Reading textbooks. This style would benefit all including academicians, teachers, etc.

4. Physical: Learning takes place by use of body movements like touching an object, moving an object to different place, jumping, etc. This style would benefit individuals who are undergoing skills training from vocational training institute.

5. Logical: Learning through logical reasoning, mathematical interpretation of problem, and solution through analyzing numbers. Example: Data interpretation and hypothesis checking. This style would benefit research scholars, higher education students, decision makers, etc.

6. Social: Learning in the groups and with peers. Example: Community colleges, schools, etc. This would benefit social learners who enjoy learning with peers.

7. Solitary: This is a self study pattern where an individual prefers learn on own with no interaction with peers. This style would benefit those who prefer to study on their own through distance education and acquire knowledge.