8. Different types of learning
Multiple types of learners have been defined differently by different educationalist but most of them refer to the preferred way of learning and processing information. One of the most popular definition of multiple learners was developed by Howard Gardner, a professor of education at Harvard University. The multiple intelligence theory consists of seven types of learners: 1) interpersonal learners, 2) intrapersonal learners, 3) kinesthetic learners, 4) verbal learners (also known as the linguistic learners), 5) visual learners, 6) logical learners and 7) auditory learners also known as oral learners or musical learners.
We would like you to watch this video published by Teachings in Education (2017) in which Frank Arella explains Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence theory:
While classification of learners into different learning groups has always been controversial, it is important to accommodate learners by including diverse learning pathways. While exclusive type of learners may not exist, multiple pathways of engaging with learning benefit different learners. It is also important to think of including learners based on undeniable differences between them such the digital divide in term of both access to online learning technologies and digital literacy as well as traditional social divides (socioeconomic divides, geographical divides, etc).