Learning Styles

Who are the leading thinkers in learning styles and how do they differ?

Howard Gardner
Gardner’s theory of ‘Multiple Intelligences’ suggests that there are eight different intelligences rather than one ‘IQ’ and that individuals can have varying levels of each. The intelligences are:


Click this link to watch a video where Howard Gardner Explains his 'Multiple Intelligences' Theory.
Robert Sternberg
Sternberg’s theory of ‘Triarchic Intelligence’ proposes that there are three types of intelligence:
• Creativity
• Practical Intelligence
• Analytic Reasoning

Sternberg suggests that utilising the intelligence most appropriate to the situation at hand or balance in all three intelligences will provide the greatest success.

David Kolb
Kolb’s ‘Experiential Learning Theory’ advocates that people learn through experience. Kolb cited in Sternberg & Zhang (2001) states that learning is “the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Knowledge results from the combination of grasping and transforming experience” (p. 228).

Rita Dunn & Kenneth Dunn
The Dunn & Dunn ‘Learning Styles Model’ suggests that learners are potential affected by 21 different elements which are divided into five different strands. Below I have created a diagram to display the elements in their strands:



Anthony Gregorc
Gregorc asserts in his “Mind Styles” theory that learners order concrete and abstract perceptions either sequentially or randomly in their minds. The learner may any depending on the situation presented to them:
• Concrete sequential (practical, methodical, organised)
• Concrete random (intuitive, independent, original)
• Abstract sequential (intellectual, logical, rational)
• Abstract Random (creative, imaginative, empathetic)

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Which learning style appeals to me most as a Preservice Teacher?

Whilst I believe that each learning style is credible in its own way, I think that Dunn & Dunn’s ‘Learning Style Model’ is the most practical.

Most of the theories covered categorise the type of learner that person is but fail to address the many other factors that influence learning. Dunn & Dunn’s all encompassing ‘Learning Style Model’ takes a different view by having a broader approach. It not only addresses the style of thinker that the learner is, but also their surrounds, the type of personality that they have, who they are learning with and what physical state is best for them to be learning in.

By being aware of the fixed elements and altering the variables to best suit the situation, I believe that I will be able to tailor my teaching make learning more productive.