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Multiple Intelligences, Multiple Learning Styles, Multiple Concept Maps
10/28/2010 | Michele Benoit, Bangor High School (Ocean Systems)
Tags: concept mapping, 07.28.10 webinar, educator post

Even as the oft-accepted notion of multiple-learning styles was called into question by a recent NY Times article ("Forget What You Know About Good Study Habits" by Benedict Carey, 09/06/2010), teachers infer that different students think differently, based on the questions they ask, how they assemble information, and misconceptions they hold. What's really neat is to see those differences revealed in the layout of their concept maps.

Map made by one of Michele Benoit's students.

This map, neat, ordered, linear, symmetrical perfectly matches the thinking and personality of the young woman who created it. She's careful in her work and thoughts. She likes balance. The placement of concepts and the choice of colors are deliberate, neat and even.

Map made by one of Michele Benoit's students.

This map strikes me as bolder, both in its colors and its array of information. The map is dynamic, a little unconventional. The student may have created connections as she went along, or simply constructed her mind's vision. The directional arrows on the linking lines enhance the feeling of boldness. This student focuses her studies in the visual arts, and her presentation reflects that training and inclination.

Map made by one of Michele Benoit's students.

The third map is active and full of energy. I can practically feel the energy buzzing behind the links. The young man who created this is relaxed yet totally present and nearly always in motion...A drummer by practice, his hands are constantly on the go, yet he's completely engaged and thinking during class. After he created this map, he looked up and smiled: "This is how I think."


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