Interpersonal Intelligence & Aural - Learning Styles

This intelligence/style primarily operates thorough person-person relationship and communication. It is the ability to related to others, noticing their moods, motivations, and feelings. It is activated by interpersonal encounters, where communication, working together, and noticing distinctions among people are important. Interpersonal intelligence sees things from others' perspectives and communicates effectively verbally and nonverbally.

Study technique tips:

•  Study in a group that meets regularly.

•  Discuss information with others.

•  Use flash cards with others.

•  Teach someone else.

•  Meet with the professor or Teaching Assistant.

•  Review information over the phone, if not in person.

•  Notice the cues in the professor's voice and body language that highlight important topics or points.

Closely related to the Interpersonal Learner is the Aural Learner , who prefers to learn by hearing the information. The aural leaner may have difficulty in lectures filled with handouts or overhead information; he/she usually is not quiet for great lengths of time and enjoys question/answer sessions.

Study technique tips:

•  Read the chapter and take notes prior to class. Leave room in the notes to add in relevant points the instructor makes during the lecture. This will allow you to listen with fewer distractions.

•  Use other people as a sounding board.

•  Participate in class discussions and debates.

•  Ask questions in class.

•  Participate in "brainstorming" sessions.

•  Discuss the material in a study group, and take notes during the study group.

•  Use verbal analogies and storytelling to demonstrate points, clarify information.

•  Attend the lectures and tutorials.

•  Discuss with the professor and Teaching Assistant.

•  Use a tape recorder (in class and read your notes into it and listen to them later).

•  Read your summarized notes aloud and recite new things several times.

•  Ask others to "listen" to your understanding of the topic.

•  Practice answering old exam questions - speak your answers.

•  In a test, you can't say your answers aloud, so imagine "hearing" your answers in your head.

Adapted from:

Dr. Joyce Bishop, Seven Pathways of Learning 1994.

David Kolb's learning style and associated terminology are based on the works of John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, Jean Piaget, and JP Guilford. For more information see the following materials:

Kolb, David A. 1984. Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

Smith, Donna M., and David A. Kolb. 1986. The Users Guide for the Learning-Style Inventory: A manual for Teachers and Trainers. McBer and Company. Boston, MA.

 

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