Gardner believes that there are seven learning styles: linguistic (verbal), musical, spatial, logical-mathematical, kinesthetic, interpersonal (understanding of others) and intrapersonal (understanding of self).
Gardner studied the effects of damage suffered by stroke and accident victims. These individuals often display damage in one area of their brain, where the injury occurred but the injury does not interfere with the functioning of their brain in other areas. Based upon this research, Gardner created his exploration and introduction on his theories of the seven multiple intelligences. Through his studies, theories about teaching and recognizing different learning styles have become invaluable tools in the classroom.
As a teacher it is important to provide valid learning opportunities for every learning style. Teach to all seven learning styles and watch your students' academic growth. Creating lesson plans that allow for instruction based upon the seven multiple intelligences will enable each type of learner to experience success in the classroom. Students who experience success become motivated to keep learning at the same or a higher level. Inspiration and validation are key components in a classroom of successful learners.
Children learn through the most comfortable methods of acquiring knowledge. For the young boy who has to move while processing his class work, being forced to sit in a chair, motionless, makes the learning that much harder. Sitting the loudest child next to the quietest one in hopes of lowering the volume in the classroom will only prevent both children from learning. Seating children together according to learning styles will often encourage a higher learning level in the classroom, as these groups work in a similar fashion, offering successful learning opportunities for everyone.
Whenever possible, allow children to learn in the manner that is comfortable to each of them. Create a classroom or learning environment that offers multiple learning opportunities to all of the seven learning styles and free time to complete homework in a quiet but varied setting.
When children are given an environment that encourages academic growth, your students will prove that your efforts were worth while. Children want and need to be understood and recognized for their efforts, creating different learning opportunities for every learning style in your classroom recognizes the value of each student.