Intrapersonal Learning Style
Educational theorist Howard Gardner's study "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences" was published in 1983. This work outlined seven different learning styles, including linguistic, mathematical-logical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, musical, interpersonal and intrapersonal. The interpersonal and intrapersonal learning styles stood out for being centered on levels of interaction and reflection in educational settings.
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Identification
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The intrapersonal learning style concerns an individual's heightened level of self-awareness. Within this understanding comes the capacity to apply one's own feelings, opinions, fears, experiences, preferences and motivations to understanding others' unique attributes. A deep self-knowledge may inspire sophisticated forms of critique, reflection, observation and analysis.
Features
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Intrapersonal learners are typically introverts, requiring time to mull over ideas and reflect on possibilities. They typically do not raise their hands or contribute comments unless asked to do so. When prompted, however, they appreciate sharing their unique insights. They prefer working alone or having a defined role within a group. They tend to be philosophical and may be perfectionists.
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Function
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In an educational setting, intrapersonal learners observe, compare and contrast. They may take notes, write summaries, provide critiques or keep journals. They prefer not to jump in on discovery learning activities, because they need time to consider the pros and cons of various approaches. They have intuition and independence that sometimes set them apart from the students around them. Common career tracks for intrapersonal learners include psychologist, writer, editor, philosopher and theologian.
Considerations
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Educators may experience challenges adequately assessing intrapersonal learners. Due to their perfectionist tendencies, intrapersonal learners may not perform as well on standardized assessments, struggling over small differences in answers and possible interpretations. An ideal approach is to ask an intrapersonal learner to conduct a self-assessment and to write critiques and summaries of his own work. He may then be more comfortable discussing the results of his findings.
Misconceptions
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Intrapersonal learners can appear self-centered or disconnected from their surroundings, but many of them have a level of awareness that extends beyond their own concerns. Their deeper self-knowledge can provide a foundation for great empathy toward others, whether or not they adequately express it. Some intrapersonal learners find great connections with poetry, theater or visual art because it expresses their inner workings.
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