Linguistic Learning Style
In 1983, educational theorist Howard Gardner presented the results of his ground-breaking research concerning multiple intelligences. In this theoretical framework, individuals possess unique approaches to absorbing and recalling new concepts. He identified the linguistic learning style as one in which the student uses words, definitions and writing to reflect upon, process and present ideas and questions.
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Identification
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People with linguistic intelligence are sometimes called verbal learners. They express themselves well and have an ability to acquire vocabulary, grammar and foreign phrases quickly. They typically can argue opinions easily. Linguistic learners use words to memorize concepts. People with high amounts of linguistic intelligence often becomes writers or lawyers.
Effects
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Many linguistic learners have little problem adapting to a traditional school setting because most educators emphasize the linguistic and verbal learning style along with the mathematical-logical learning style. However, there are certain curricular activities that can bring out the best in verbal learners. Public speaking, political discourse, debates, journalism, writing and criticism highlight linguistic learners' assets.
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Benefits
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Linguistic learners typically have fluency with both spoken and written language. They excel in reading and writing. They enjoy activities involving wordplay, such as making rhymes, telling jokes, writing poetry or saying tongue twisters. They integrate new vocabulary quickly into their daily speech and writing.
Misconceptions
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Just because a student has verbal or linguistic intelligence does not mean he is restricted to this learning style for absorbing information. On the contrary, Gardner asserts that multiple intelligences function in tandem. A person with a strong preference for linguistic learning may also have an interpersonal learning preference, using words and meaning to enter into group activities and projects. Musical and intrapersonal learning are two other areas in which a linguistic learner may excel. Mathematical and spatial learning may be more challenging, but the linguistic learner can often master mathematical concepts through word problems and graphs and charts that have labels.
Considerations
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Educators and students can adapt common practices to address linguistic learning styles. Use flashcards with vocabulary words to memorize concepts. Create outlines of lectures. Print out information from the computer for reviewing and studying. Draw mental pictures of information to master a new concept. Color-code notes, texts and charts to aid your recall of information. Write summaries and critiques of readings and lectures. Translate visual information, such as illustrations, maps or diagrams, into written instructions. Reduce abstract mathematical problems to a series of verbal steps.
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