Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

The multiple intelligences I have the most strengths in are kinestetic and intrapersonal where I recieved a score of 100 in both. After reading the characteristics of both intelligences I can see many similarities in my own personality. As a kinesthetic learner I would much rather gain information through feeling, intuition, experiencing and doing. As an intrapersonal learner I will reflect on my learning through thoughts and enjoy studying on my own rather than in large groups.

The core characteristics that best describe me and my learning style are that I do like to be active, and I know that when I am active I am able to retain information much better than if I were sitting in a classroom trying to stay focused on a single person talking. I have a difficult time studying in groups, and rarely am I able to make any progress from them. I study and remember information best when I study alone in a quiet environment.

Students with a kinesthetic learning style enjoy staying active doing hands on activities. They are hands on children that will not do very well in an extremely structured classroom without some variety in their daily routine. As an intrapersonal learner a child may need quiet time within their day to reflect and retain information learned that day. Group work is not always easy for them to share their ideas or gather new information.

Within in my classroom focusing on kinesthetic learning styles will not be a huge issue, since physical education will involve many movements and hands on experiences. There will be times when information will need to be taught however, but it will just be important for me to present it in various ways to reach each student.

Technologies that may stimulate a kinesthetic learner in the classroom may be computer games or music players that allow student's to learn through music and dance. Really any technology that allows a student to experience a more hands on way of learning than lecture and readings.

I will much better be able to impact student learning after applying my new understanding of learning styles and multiple intelligences within my classroom. I now know that it is very important to add variety to your teaching and never teach the same way everyday. Sometimes it is easy to get into a routine of your own teaching style, but that is not teaching to the student. Sometimes teachers must venture out of their comfort zones and get to know their students and the learning environment that is best for them.