Student Learning Styles

We all use a combination of learning styles. By recognizing how your child learns, you can help him or her achieve educational success.

Researcher Howard Gardner at Harvard University described his theory of multiple intelligences in Frames of Mind According to Gardner, we sense how the mind processes information.

The seven learning styles, or kinds of intelligence, are:

Linguistic: The child who is good with language learns best by saying, hearing and seeing words. Provide plenty of books and engage your child in lots of discussion. Most schools reward linguistic intelligence more than any other.

Logical-Mathematical: Logical, math-minded kids seek abstract patterns and enjoy logic puzzles, science materials, and anything with which they can experiment.

Spatial: Those with spatial intelligence have a good sense of direction and learn best through images and pictures. Films, construction kits, and art activities are helpful in learning.

Bodily-Kinesthetic: When this learning style predominates, the child likes to use her body and work with her hands. The favored learning opportunities include creative movement, hands-on activities, sports and drama.

Musical: Some children can learn anything if it’s sung. If your child shows musical aptitude, take advantage of it by offering a variety of musical experiences.

Interpersonal: Some children learn best by teaching and leading others. Be sure they have access to school clubs and organizations where they can use these special skills.

Intrapersonal: Those with insight into themselves often learn best when they are allowed to develop their own learning materials and teach themselves.

Which one of these learning styles is predominant in your child? Keep in mind that we all use a combination of these styles, but one always seems to surface as the most prevalent. Self-esteem is crucial to learning, and successful learning breeds more self-esteem.