The introduction to learning styles usually occurs during childhood when children are exposed to all seven learning styles and eventually discover the one that best suits them without explicit instruction. Young students frequently learn through activities such as singing the alphabet song (Musical Intelligence) or physically engaging with objects associated with a particular letter (kinesthesia). The way individuals learn does not determine their intelligence level; both Musical and kinesthesia learners possess distinctive approaches to comprehending information.
Understanding kinesthesia learning and musical learning can assist individuals struggling to find their preferred learning method. Diane Lamellar-Bison defines kinesthesia intelligence as a whole body approach to learning, where individuals with this learning style incorporate various learning styles.
The use of multiple learning styles includes verbal, auditory, visual, and tactical elements, and kinesthetic learners incorporate movement into their learning style. According to Lamellar-Bison (7), kinesthetic learners perform better when they learn through standing, walking, and movement in general. They also prefer shorter bursts of learning rather than long concentrated periods. Restlessness and fidgeting are common traits among kinesthetic learners due to their pent-up energy. It is difficult for them to sit for extended periods as they have a constant need to move rather than remain idle.
Disorientation is often observed in kinesthetic learners, but according to Lamellar – Bison, this is not actually disorientation but rather “organized confusion” which is a beneficial method for these learners (7). A kinesthetic learner integrates movement or acting into their learning process, such as in math or science, as a means of acquiring information. Lamellar – Bison clarifies that a kinesthetic learner expresses their understanding through experiments, which helps them retain the information.
The various types of kinesthetic learners have different methods of retaining the information they have learned. For example, a tactile kinesthetic learner relies on touch to retain information, unlike other types of learners who visualize the information they are trying to learn and remember. Like other kinesthetic learners, a tactile learner does not enjoy sitting still and requires constant movement to effectively learn. However, what sets a tactile learner apart is their preference for hands-on activities, such as using a calculator or writing on a chalkboard, rather than reading or completing exercises.
All types of kinesthetic learners learn through experiment and movement, but they each have different methods of acquiring information. It is important to encourage and support the movement of a kinesthetic learner, as it is their optimal way of learning. In Jennifer L. Nolan’s article “Musical Intelligence in the Classroom,” she defines musical intelligence as the ability to express emotions through sound. Many individuals with musical intelligence discover this skill at a young age, typically when they first learn to sing. This early development in singing nurtures their musical intelligence as a learner.
This child may have the skill to read music or evaluate a performance, showcasing their musical intelligence and ability to gain knowledge. Presently, musical intelligence is frequently lacking in classrooms for different reasons. Certain teachers may not view it as important to integrate music into their teaching techniques because it diverges from the conventional approach. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that not all students learn in the same manner. Hence, it is necessary to foster and nourish students’ musical intelligence alongside other learning styles in the classroom.
Nolan suggests that music plays a crucial role in children’s education by aiding their understanding of emotions (1). Depriving children of music can negatively impact their overall development. Moreover, Nolan posits that musical intelligence serves as a unifying element among the six other learning styles. This is important because musical intelligence helps enhance mathematical intelligence through the use of ratios and patterns akin to those present in music.
Musical intelligence is comparable to auditory learning as it entails the capacity to listen and comprehend information. People with musical intelligence excel in learning through songs, as listening assists them in absorbing and retaining knowledge. When information is delivered through music, it delivers a rhythm and pitch that enhances their memory and association with the topic being taught. Studies have shown that individuals with musical intelligence exhibit increased brain activity and perform better on tests compared to those lacking this type of intelligence.
Both listening to music and studying music require a learning style that can adapt to and utilize multiple styles. People with musical intelligence are better equipped to learn in ways that go beyond just music. Kinesthesia and Musical Intelligence have similarities as they are both effective but often overlooked methods of learning. Musically intelligent individuals may also incorporate kinesthetic methods, like listening to music while working out at the gym, to help maintain focus.
This approach involves combining movement and music to maintain concentration on exercising. By utilizing both these intelligences, it becomes easier to adapt to the other five intelligences. In the domain of Kinesthesia, there are individuals who excel in verbal, visual, and auditory kinesthesia, all of which constitute their own intelligence. In the musical domain, you have the ability to relate it to any learning style, whether it is mathematical or auditory. Both of these intelligences contribute to connectivity with the other intelligences. It should be noted that possessing the capability to utilize these styles does not imply superiority over other styles, but rather aids in adapting to various learning styles.
Musical and kinesthetic learning share similarities and differences. Both styles have unique focuses: kinesthetic learning emphasizes movement and experiential learning, while musical learning centers around songs, rhythms, and other musical elements. The process of acquiring information differs significantly, as musical learners can sit and compose music whereas kinesthetic learners may struggle with this. However, both styles enable learners to adapt and incorporate other learning styles into their repertoire.
Musical learners have the ability to adapt by incorporating other learning styles through music, whereas kinesthesia is an individual’s natural development. A child can start nurturing their musical side from an early age, while kinesthesia takes time to develop and for the learner to realize their kinesthetic learning style. Discovering one’s learning style is effortless for some, but a constant challenge for others, especially in kinesthesia where a child’s constant movement may be caused by factors unrelated to their learning style.
I concur with both Nolan’s article “Multiple Intelligence in the Classroom” and Lamellar-Bison’s article “Learning styles- What are they? How can they help?” I am of the opinion that both musical and kinesthetic learning methods are not fully employed in educational settings. While these approaches are implemented during early education, their utilization seems to decline as students progress. It is my strong belief that incorporating alternative teaching techniques would be beneficial for myself and numerous other students.
As a student, I have frequently been misunderstood because I struggle to concentrate in a traditional classroom setting. Nevertheless, I now realize that my difficulty focusing does not result from a lack of intelligence, but rather from my preference for an interactive and dynamic learning style instead of sitting quietly in class. By incorporating diverse teaching methods instead of solely relying on the conventional approach, educators can dispel the misconception that some students are troublemakers when they are merely misunderstood.
In summary, musical and kinesthetic intelligence are both crucial but often underestimated forms of intelligence. It is important to assist children in discovering their preferred learning style and not to stigmatize those who learn differently. Enhancing the way students learn can enhance communication between students and teachers, as well as improve reactions to individuals with different learning styles. A comprehensive understanding of all learning styles will aid in understanding all types of students and learners.
