A student's personality and learning strengths and weaknesses can impact learning. A mismatch between instruction and learning needs can hinder the learning process. A teacher may tend to teach the way that he or she learns best, which may not necessarily match the learning needs of the students. Effective teachers are aware of their own learning preferences as well as those of their students. Subsequently, they vary their teaching styles accordingly. For example, student personality type (i.e., introvert or extrovert) can influence their preferred method of learning, so teachers should include both individual and group work to address these styles.

Another way of categorizing is based upon the preferred sensory mode used to learn information: auditory, visual, kinesthetic/tactile. Instructional methods that use all three modalities can be incorporated into lesson plans or teaching units. In this way, a teacher can teach and reinforce information in ways that will enhance the learning for all students. Click here for an example of how all three learning modalities are used to provide information to students on procedures for a science experiment, while also incorporating a cultural component.

Multiple Intelligences In his book, Frames of Mind: Theory of Multiple Intelligences Howard Gardner, professor at Harvard University, theorizes that there is not a single intelligence but rather a multitude of intelligences, each of which is characterized by specific strengths. While schools typically address two intelligences (linguistic and logical/mathematical), Gardner encourages teachers to expand their instruction to take advantage of the others and thus increase success for students whose strengths lie in these other intelligence areas.

Area	Definition	Possible Careers
Logical/Mathematical Intelligence	The capacity to analyze and investigate problems in a rational and sequential manner.	Accountant, mathematician, engineer
Linguistic Intelligence	The ability to use and manipulate words in communicating information.	Professor, lawyer, journalist
Interpersonal Intelligence	The gift of understanding and working well with others.	Therapist, nurse, politician
Intrapersonal Intelligence	The ability of an individual to understand own emotions, moods, desires, and needs.	Psychologist, artist, small business owner
Spatial Intelligence	The ability to easily understand and manipulate things pertaining to space.	Architect, photographer, interior decorator
Musical Intelligence	The ability to recall and use musical patterns; to learn music "by ear".	Composer, music teacher, music critic
Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence	The gift of using one's body in creating a performance or something tangible.	Athlete, contractor, dancer
Naturalistic Intelligence	The capability of discerning patterns and features in natural world.	Biologist, teacher, park services

Culturally based learning differences
Different cultures emphasize different methods of instruction for young children. In some cultures, children are expected to observe quietly and then imitate adult activities. In others, parents spend a great deal of time instructing and questioning their children. These culturally-based learning differences emphasize different sensory modes; consequently, students will perform better academically when instruction is matched to their preferred mode of learning. Teachers in diverse classrooms need to vary instructional techniques in order to access the learning strengths of every student.

Click to hear teacher Mary Abeita discuss instructional considerations for Native American students. (Time: 1:23) View Transcript

Mary Abeita

Something to think about Categories of learning characteristics are not absolute. Students are complex and comprised of multitudes of characteristics, all of which contribute to the overall learning process. However, understanding learning preferences, strengths, and differences in a general fashion is helpful for teachers.