Redefining Learning: Kolb's Theory of Learning Styles with Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

Abstract

This study attempts to bridge David Kolb’s theory of Learning Styles Howard with Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences to overcome criticisms to both. The necessity to sequentially achieve Kolb's four learning stages (concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation) and their respective preferred combinations are discussed as an onset. Succeeding that is an analysis of Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences which claims intelligence to be one of eight types of independent arenas of competence, all independent of each other (linguistic. analytical, musical, bodily, interpersonal and intrapersonal, spatial and naturalist). Both theories suffer from certain drawbacks. For instance, Kolb’s theory has sufficient empirical support but lacks scientific backing while Gardner's theory is bereft of empirical support but founded on clinical research on central nervous system. Utilizing a combination of both theories the study examines possibilities to improve quality of education, training and pedagogical advice. The purpose of this study is to examine both theories in detail so as to isolate unique concepts both scientifically accurate and empirically compelling with the intent to formulate a compound theory through active use of pragmatism and quality control. The paper further presents a real life model to overcome impediments faced by the two theories and proposes revisions in learning techniques to facilitate absorption of knowledge and synthetization of information in general educational practice at both amateur and professional level.

Keywords: education, learning styles, learning theory, multiple ıntelligences, pedagogical.