All cultures have unique, traditional ways of learning and teaching. Understanding these helps one to connect to others and share with them in ways that are meaningful to the people one is trying to reach and teach.
In Howard Gardner’s book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, he says there are nine types of intelligence and suggests teachers need to be sensitive to their student’s specific areas of intelligence to achieve greater aptitude. These are:
Linguistic Intelligence
(word smart)
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
(number/reasoning smart)
Spatial Intelligence
(picture smart)
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (body smart)
Musical Intelligence
(music smart)
Interpersonal Intelligence (people smart)
Intrapersonal Intelligence (self smart)
Existential Intelligence (critical evaluation smart)
Naturalist Intelligence (nature smart)
The Aboriginal people of Australia have documented eight traditional ways of learning and teaching, all valid and effective within their culture:
Story Sharing (Approaching learning through narrative)
Learning Maps
(Explicitly mapping and visualizing processes)
Non-verbal
(Applying intra-personal and kinesthetic skills to thinking and learning)
Symbols and Images
(Using images and metaphors to understand concepts and content)
Land Links (Place-based learning, linking content to local land and place)
Non-linear
(Producing innovations and understanding by thinking laterally or combining systems)
Deconstruct/Reconstruct
(Modelling and scaffolding, working from wholes to parts; watch then do)
Community Links
(Centering local viewpoints; applying learning for community benefit)
Notice the differences.
Here in the West, our education system is primarily the Greek way of learning, Socratic and Didactic. It works for us, but should we exclude the veracity of other ways of learning?
When I lived on a Pacific island, the men there insisted they were the world’s master canoe makers. They insisted there was no other way to make a dugout canoe other than the way they made them. When I described a cedar strip canoe, they thought I was joking and said it wouldn’t float.
Understanding how a people learn helps teachers teach. I don’t understand all that I think I know, but soon, I hope to learn enough to effectively share the good news of Jesus with our friends.
