Transcript How Do You Learn?

Multiple Intelligences
“An intelligence is the ability to solve problems or create meaningful ideas
in a particular setting” (Gardner, 1997)
Students may grasp new concepts more easily if they have opportunities to process the
information in a way that makes sense to them and comes more easily to them. There
are at least eight “Intelligences” that have been identified as peoples more common or
preferred learning and problem-solving abilities.
Discuss with a partner
how you learn best.
Example: Listening to
the teacher, reading on
your own, group
projects etc.
There are at least 8 ways that we learn that are common to all cultures.
Each of us has unique strengths based on our genetics and our
environment. Each person is “smart” in his or her own way. By
discovering and building on those strengths we can use our intelligences
to enhance our understanding of new concepts.
Verbal-Linguistic “Word Smart”
Logical-Mathematical “Logic Smart”
Visual-Spatial “Picture Smart”
Bodily-Kinesthetic “Body Smart”
Musical-Rhythmic “Music Smart”
Naturalist “Nature Smart”
Interpersonal ”People Smart”
Intrapersonal “Self Smart”
Students may grasp new concepts more easily if they have opportunities to process the
information in a way that makes sense to them and comes more easily to them. Look at the
following and decide which intelligences best describes your learning.
These type of people like to tell
jokes and stories, reading books,
enjoy word games, enjoy listening
to the radio, TV., tapes or CD’s.
They also love writing and can
easily write stories with proper
grammar. Poets, authors,
reporters, speakers, attorneys, talk
show hosts and politicians have
strong verbal / linguistic
intelligence.
These type of people think in
pictures. They enjoy color,
interesting designs, drawing
and doodling and can find
their way around unfamiliar
areas. They enjoy books
with pictures, maps and
charts, videos, movies and
photographs. Usually artists,
engineers, surgeons,
sculptures and architects are
strong in this area.
These type of people listen to
music, remember tunes, enjoy
singing and are sensitive to
music and sounds. They also
keep time to music and have
a good sense of rhythm.
Singers, composers,
instrumentalists and
conductors are strong in this
area.
These type of people
like giving advise,
prefer team sports,
have many close
friends and like
working in groups.
They are
comfortable in
crowds, have
empathy for others
and can figure out
what people are
feeling. Social type
workers are strong in
this area.
These type of people solve math problems easily, enjoy using computers and strategy games,
and wonder how things work. They reason things out, use logic to solve problems, measure,
calculate and analyze information. Mathematicians, engineers, physicists, astronomers,
computer programmers and researchers demonstrate a high degree of Logical mathematical
intelligence.
Bodily – kinesthetic individuals get uncomfortable when
they sit too long, use their hands when speaking and like
working with their hands on crafts and hobbies. They are
well coordinated and learn best by ‘doing’ rather than
watching. Inventors, actors, dancers and athletes are
excellent in this area.
Naturalist
The naturalist enjoys spending time with nature, can classify
things in categories, identify details in plants and animals and
knows the names of many plants and animals. They love pets,
gardening and caring for planet earth. Those strong in this
intelligence are botanists, scientists, oceanographers,
veterinarians and park rangers.
These type of people are very aware of their feelings, strengths, weaknesses and like to
work alone. They enjoy hobbies on their own, working alone, meditating and reflecting.
Those with high intrapersonal capabilities include novelists, psychologists and therapists.
Now that you have reviewed the eight intelligences and thought about your strengths, it’s time to test
how well you really know yourself and how you learn best. You’ll will be taking a test called ‘Multiple
Intelligence Inventory’ which asks several questions on your likes and dislikes. You must read each
statement carefully and be as honest as possible. There are no right or wrong answers, only
information about yourself.
Learning is part of your health. Even though you may think about learning as part of your
intellectual health, it is part of all aspects of your health. Effective learning habits can have a
positive impact on your physical, emotional, and social health as well. Your learning style
affects the way you tackle everything.
Think of the different environments in which people learn, such as at home, with friends,
in a classroom, alone, with family, in the community, with sports teams, or with other
groups.
What are some disadvantages of relying solely on one preferred learning style?
Can you think of a least three?
1. It does not allow you to adapt to different teaching styles.
2. It can prevent you from trying different experiences.
3. It can prevent you from learning new things.
4. It can decrease your chances of success in different classes or
courses.
5.It can prevent you from working effectively with those having
different learning styles.
The two different sides (right and
left) of the brain influence your
learning style. The right side is
responsible for random and
creative thinking. It looks at
wholes. The left side of the brain
is used for logical, rational, and
analytical thinking. It looks at
parts. Being right brained does
not mean you are never logical.
Likewise, being left brained does
not mean you are never creative.
All it means is that you tend to
favour one side over the other. It
is just part of your personal
learning style.
Do the following quiz to find out if you are left or right brained?
In your notebook write the question number and an A or B for the answer that you would most
likely choose. Then total your A’s and B’s to see if you are right brained or left brained.
1. Which is more true of you?
A. I am tense about getting things right.
B. I am relaxed and let things happen.
2. Which do you enjoy more about music?
A. I enjoy the beat.
B. I enjoy the melody.
3. Which way of learning do you like best?
A. I like learning from books and lectures.
B. I like learning from workshops and field trips.
4. Which of these two subjects do you like more?
A. I like math.
B. I like art.
5. When you buy something, do you make sure you have received the correct change?
A. Yes, I count it.
B. No, I do not count.
6. How do you figure things out?
A. I work on a piece at a time and then put it all together.
B. The answser comes to me all at once, as if a light going on.
7. Which would you rather do?
A. I would read.
B. I would watch television.
8. How are you at putting your feelings into words?
A. I am very good.
B. It is hard for me.
9. If you practise an instrument or a sport, how do you do it?
A. I do it the same time each day, for a certain amount of time.
B. I do it when I feel like it and have the time.
10. You are riding your bike to a friend’s house. You have never been there before. Which
method do you use to find your way?
A. I ask for directions and then write down street names and landmarks.
B. I ask for directions and then look at a map.
11. Which of these types of fabric do you prefer?
A. I prefer fabrics without much texture like cotton and denim.
B. I prefer fabrics with lots of texture like corduroy, suede, and velvet.
12. Are you good at remembering faces?
A. No, I am not good at remembering faces.
B. Yes, I am good at remembering faces.
13. Are you good at remembering names?
A. Yes, I am good at remembering names.
B. No, I am not good at remembering names.
14. How do you feel about psychic claims—that there is such a thing as ESP (extrasensory
perception), for example?
A. I think they are foolish and non-scientific.
B. Science cannot explain everything; they are worth looking into.
The Results:
Left-brained responses are A’s; right-brained responses are B’s.
1. Twelve or more A’s or B’s means you
strongly prefer that side of your brain.
2. Nine A’s or B’s means you somewhat
prefer that side of your brain.
3. Seven of each means you use both sides
of your brain equally.
What are your learning challenges? They are one of the first things to consider as you apply
your knowledge to the ways you learn. You might first decide what you can work on yourself.
Then you can determine what you need help with. Teachers and parents are good resources
to help you identify what learning challenges you may face.
To find out about your learning challenges, complete the questionnaire below.
Always
I come to school every day.
I come to class on time
I come to class with the materials I need.
I come to class prepared; e.g., textbook read,
assignment complete.
I leave my worries outside the classroom door.
I can follow written directions.
I can follow spoken directions.
I understand the new ideas the teacher presents.
Usually
Sometimes
Not Yet
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Not yet
I can focus my attention in class.
I contribute to class discussions.
I take accurate and detailed notes.
My notebooks are organized and complete.
I am clear and concise when writing.
My written work is accurate, legible, and organized.
I finish assignments within time limits.
I know when and who to ask for help.
I can sit still for long periods of time.
I do not distract or chat with others.
I remain calm and focused during tests.
I do well on tests.
Knowing your strengths can help you overcome learning challenges. It also boosts your
confidence. The first part of this lesson helped you identify ways that you learn best. This
information can be used to help you choose assignment options, find ways to study, or
make suggestions to your teacher. If you have identified a strength that you have, such as
drawing or playing a particular sport, working at this skill can be advantageous to you.
What are good study strategies? Name at least 5 in your notebook.
The following study strategies are keys to successful learning, no matter what subject you are studying.
1. Work in a spot at home where there is little or no disruption and where the light is good. These conditions allow you
to concentrate on what you are doing.
2. Prepare a schedule, and stick to it. Allow for breaks and special events that occur during the week. It is a good idea to
plan a five-minute break every half hour
3. Have a notebook for keeping track of assignments and exams.
4. Manage your time wisely. Make studying and doing homework your number one priority! Study when it’s time to
study; play when it’s time to play.
5. Don’t fall behind in your studies. Do assigned homework daily. Follow up classroom work with studying the same
subject that evening. If you realize there is something you do not understand, ask your teacher for help. Sometimes this
may mean seeking help from your teacher after class.
6. Take notes, and concentrate on what your teacher is saying. Place your notes in a book or binder. Organize them
immediately after class while the ideas are fresh in your mind. Review them that same evening.
7. Review information frequently. Information is retaind best if it is recalled within 24 hours. If it is recalled again within a
week, the memory lingers longer.
8. Prepare for tests and examinations in advance. Review your study notes. Set up a study schedule. Listen for study tips
from your teacher about what will be on the exam. Ask your teacher what type of exam it will be.
9. Have a study buddy. This is someone who can help you review material and study for tests. This person also collects
handouts and takes notes when you are absent from class.
10. Offer yourself a reward when you are finished studying. For example, play your music, watch your favourite television
program, go for a walk, or have a snack that you really enjoy.
Have you ever heard the phrase the power of positive thinking and wondered what it meant?
Positive thinking means that you adopt a way of looking at the world that is optimistic. That means you see the good and try to build on it.
By using the power of positive thinking, you can improve your ability to learn. Positive thinking is a tool for increasing your capacity to learn.
Tools for Extending Your Learning Capacity
1. affirmation of your strengths and abilities
4. reduce stress caused by school
2. self-talk in a positive way about yourself
3. take care of yourself
Affirmation
When you affirm, you talk positively about yourself and your abilities. Affirmations reinforce your own belief in your strengths and abilities.
An affirmation is a strong, firm declaration that something is true, for example, “I am a hard worker.” Personalize your affirmations with
words such as I, me, and my. Make your affirmations short and easy to remember. Repeat them often. That way positive thinking becomes
routine.
Self-Talk
Self-talk is the communication of positive or negative thoughts to yourself. To extend your personal capacity for learning, you must believe in
yourself and encourage yourself through positive self-talk. Use affirmations such as
“I can do it if I try!”
“I am a hard worker!”
“I can learn this.”
Self-Care
Taking care of yourself helps extend your capacity for learning. Since your brain works better if it
is fueled by protein and energy, it is important to eat a good breakfast and lunch. If you need
nutritious snacks to keep you going, have them readily available. Get enough sleep at night.
Arrange to have enough time to relax and have fun.
You probably have a natural rhythm, so you might want to take advantage of it. If you’re wide
awake at 6 a.m., try to get in an hour of studying before school. If you’re a night owl, it might be
better for you to study after supper. Whatever the case, don’t fight your own cycle—use it!
Stress Reduction
Handling stress in a positive way can include strategies and choices such as the following:
Match your strengths to your course selections, where you can.
Begin an assignment right after it is assigned.
Break up assignments into smaller, more manageable parts.
Build into your schedule times for relaxing and having fun.
Ask for help when you need it.
All of these strategies involve understanding your learning preferences and styles, applying what
you know about yourself to your study and organizational habits, and developing tools to
increase your success. Learning effectively has benefits for all areas of your health: physical,
emotional, social, and intellectual.