Helping students retain what they learn is one of the ongoing challenges of education. Can we improve memory? If you are connected to education, you probably know about Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory. In a nutshell, Gardner’s proposition is that intelligence is not a single number on an IQ test, but rather, a set of intelligences that we all have in various degrees. We use these different intelligences in learning, and problem solving.
According to Gardner, memory is also connected to our various intelligences. We do not have good or bad memories, rather we remember better when using our natural intelligences.
With that in mind, we offer the following ways to help trigger memory using different multiple intelligences:
Linguistic Intelligence If you are good with words try:
- summarizing
- brainstorming
- creating stories
- putting information into your own words
Interpersonal Intelligence If you are social try:
- study groups
- teaching others
- comparing notes
- cooperative learning
Logical/Mathematical intelligence If you are a logical thinker try:
- creating a bulleted list
- creating a flowchart
- ranking key points
- following a structured learning system such as SQ3R
Visual/Spatial Intelligence If you see the world visually try:
- creating diagrams
- drawing pictures
- making concept maps
- creating models
Intrapersonal Intelligence If you have a strong self-knowledge try:
- learning logs
- finding personal significance
- studying alone
- reflecting and connecting
Kinesthetic Intelligence If you are highly tuned to bodily movement try:
- acting out ideas
- role playing
- reviewing with games
- using manipulatives and tactile materials
Musical Intelligence If you love music try:
- rapping or chanting ideas
- creating jingles
- listening to CD’s, podcasts or other audio
- linking old tunes with new concepts
Naturalist Intelligence If you revere and understand nature try:
- collecting and organizing artifacts
- looking for patterns
- observing and reflecting
- organizing information into categories
Gardner suggests that the essence of his work is to “respect the many differences among people, the multiple variations in the way they learn, the several modes by which they can be assessed, and the almost infinite number of ways in which they can leave a mark on the world.”*
We think that is a valuable proposition.
What do you do in order to enhance memory? We would love to hear your ideas in the comments below.
Here’s to improving our memories,
* Howard Gardner quote from the preface of Thomas Armstrong’s Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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