Derrick Stoner

4/12/10

Dr. Nur

Human, Growth, and Development

Learning Styles
Intelligence- the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations

Robert Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence (1977)

Sternberg’s theory was a noticeable figure in the research of human intelligence. This theory

took a more cognitive approach to intelligence. The triarchic theory of intelligence consists of

three subtheories: Analytical thinking which focuses on planning, monitoring, reflection, and

transfer; Creative thinking focuses on developing, applying new ideas, and creating solutions;

Practical thinking focuses on selecting and shaping real world environments and experiences.

Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (MI)(1983)

The multiple intelligence theory suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I. Q.

testing, is far too limited. Instead Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account

for a broader range of human potential in children and adults. These intelligences are: linguistic

intelligence (word smart), logical/mathematical intelligence (number smart), spatial intelligence

(picture smart), bodily – kinesthetic intelligence (body smart), musical intelligence (music

smart), interpersonal intelligence (people smart), intrapersonal intelligence (self smart, naturalist

intelligence (nature smart)

David Kolb’s experiential learning theory (ELT)

Kolb’s learning theory sets out four distinct learning styles. Kolb’s theory offers both a way to

understand individual people’s different learning styles, and also an explanation of a cycle of
experiential learning that applies to us all. Kolb’s theory is a four stage cycle: concrete

experience (feeling), reflective observation (watching), abstract conceptualization (thinking), and

active experimentation (doing).

Learning Styles Inventory

The Learning Style Inventory describes the way you learn and how you deal with day to day

situations. We all learn in different ways and this inventory reflect on the ways you prefer to

learn in specific settings. The LSI gives you better understanding of how you learn.