Module 2: Learning styles and how to learn
Module Introduction
As we learned in Module 1, metacognition involves reflection on what you know as well as how you know it. It also requires you to know who you are and what your individual strengths and talents are. Everyone is unique and has different likes and dislikes; and it follows that not everyone learns the same way. In this module we will investigate different types of intelligences or and learning styles, we will link what we learn about our own intelligence and learning styles to current learning endeavors and see what is working and what we need to improve on.
Tasks for this module: *Investigate Multiple Intelligences ** Read about Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences ** Complete the MI Snowflake interactive activity * Take the VARK learning styles inventory * Apply Multiple Intelligence and Learning Style knowledge to current coursework * Complete journal #2: How will you utilize your learning style to be more effective in your courses?
Activity 1: Multiple Intelligences
Many people view intelligence as a one-dimensional kind of thing, an individual falls somewhere on a line that is stretched between smart and not. The theory of Multiple Intelligences provides a different take on individual intelligence, stating that there are many different ways that all people can be intelligent, and that everyone is different. We usually see this in school when we enjoy one type of class or assignment over others, or excel in one kind of task over others. Your effectiveness in school can be increased if you know a little about what kind of learning activities work best for you.
Read about Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences to learn more about this theory. Review the 9 Intelligences Table to investigate the different types of intelligence. What do you think are your strongest types of intelligence? Jot down your thoughts about Multiple Intelligences and what you think your intelligence profile looks like before going on to activity 2.
Activity 2: MI Snowflake
Now that you have learned a little about the theory of Multiple Intelligences and may have some ideas about your own intellingence profile, take a moment to complete the MI Snowflake interactive activity. How does your snowflake match your own thoughts about what your intelligence profile looks like? Do you see similarities or differences or both? Talk with a family member, friend, or co-worker who knows you well about your profile and see if they see the same or different intelligences in you. Make notes on the conversation to include in your journal entry for this module.
A note about how to read your snowflake; the strength of your intelligence in a specific area is noted by how much that branch of the snowflake is filled in. For the example in the picture, this person is very high in Spatial, Intrapersonal and Linguistic intelligences, and lower in Interpersonal, Mathematical, Bodily Kinesthetic and Musical intelligences.
Activity 3: Learning Styles
In the same neighborhood as Multiple Intelligences we find Learning Styles; as a matter of fact, they could be considered next door neighbors. They are often found together and they very frequently validate and support one another. So if they are so similar why should we learn about both of them? Isn't one enough? Well, in our mission to learn about what works best for us in the classroom to make us successsful students, more information is always better. Learning about learning styles will do two things, it will give us a different method for viewing our learning strengths and it will increase and deepen our understanding of how we learn best.
We will be investigating Learning Styles with the VARK Learning Styles Inventory. There are 4 learning styles that the inventory "tests" on: Visual, Aural, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic. By taking the test and reading your results you will now have another piece to add to the puzzle of what makes you you.
Take the VARK learning styles inventory now and read about your results. Do your results suprise you or are they what you expected after your analysis of Multiple Intelligences? Think about the similarities and differences you see between the two.
Activity 4: Application
Now that you have a picture of your individual strengths and preferences as a learner it is time to put this new knowledge to work. Identify at least one assignment you need to complete this week for one of your classes. Complete the attached worksheet along with the assignment. Keep the worksheet to include in your PLP.
File:MSSCSLearningPreferences.pdf
Activity 5: Journal Entry
Putting it all together, what you have learned throughout this module. This Journal entry will be a free writing opportunity for you to reflect on what you knew about yourself before, what you have learned while working through the activities in this module and what you want to learn more about yourself as we move on. Complete File:MSSCSJournal2.pdf and go over it with your advisor in preparation for moving on to Module 3.
Go to Module 3: Metacognitive Learning
Go back to Metacognitive Study Strategies for College Students