Identity - What's Your Learning Style?

Part of what makes us who we are is how we best learn. The theory of multiple intelligences has been around since 1983. Howard Gardner put out his theory in a booked called Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, in which he chose eight abilities. These abilities are different in different people - some people have a very high musical ability (hint: that's not me), while others show strength in verbal or logical areas.

The abilities proposed by Gardner are:
* visual-spatial
* musical
* verbal
* logical
* bodily-kinesthetic
* interpersonal (interactions with others)
* intrapersonal (self-reflection
* naturalistic

This morning, Sam's class of 5th and 6th graders came to be paired up with a 1st or 2nd grader. Together, pairs of children did a 40 question quiz which resulted in a chart that looks something like this:

Four children either did not complete theirs, or had their password written down wrong (and I can't pull up their results). I will complete those four tomorrow at free time, and then we can all share our results. We'll discuss whether or not the results fit who we think we are, and how we are alike and different. All intelligences should be respected and encouraged - how can teachers and schools make learning fun and meaningful for all? How does the way we learn help shape our identity?