Trigger Memory with Multiple Intelligences

Trigger Memory with Multiple Intelligences 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 intelligence that we all have in various degrees. We use these different bits of intelligence in learning, and problem-solving.

According to Gardner, memory is also connected to our various intelligence. We do not have good or bad memories, rather we remember better when using our natural intelligence.

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 artefacts
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 to enhance memory? We would love to hear your ideas in the comments below.

Here’s to improving our memories