Vocational Schools And Multiple Intelligences
Why are vocational schools the right choice for many students? Well, there are plenty of reasons. They often offer degrees in a quicker amount of time and at less of a cost than a four-year college would. Along with this, vocational programs provide students who learn in different ways with opportunities to take advantage of their natural skill sets. Decades ago Howard Gardner (and educational researcher and theorist at Harvard University) gave the psychological and academic worlds the idea of Multiple Intelligences (MI). At its most basic, this theory says that people have different types of intelligences—not just the one that the IQ test measures.
What does this have to do with a vocational education? Gardner's different "intelligences" may (depending on the student) match up better with a vocational program than with another type of degree. How? Check out the "intelligences" that Gardner talks about and how vocational programs connect to them.
Visual-Spatial
People who are visual-spatial thinkers tend to enjoy (and do well with) tasks such as drawing, putting together puzzles, modeling or designing. Vocational programs such as graphic design, web design, cosmetology and interior design all play to the visual-spatial thinkers' art-oriented self. Auto repair, HVAC repair and other similar degrees may mesh well with the visual-spatial thinkers' advanced ability to solve puzzles.
Musical
Just like the name implies, musical thinkers are sensitive to sound. They easily catch rhythms and may excel while playing instruments. A technical program in the recording arts or music production is a vocational option that musical thinkers might enjoy.
Bodily-Kinesthetic
These thinkers are very aware of their bodies. They often learn best while on the move (or through hands-on activities) or do well in jobs that require motion. Hands-on programs such as massage therapy or physical therapy assistant match up well with this type of learner.
Logical-Mathematical
If you enjoy math (making calculations and solving problems), you might be one of these types of learners. Logical-mathematical thinkers tend to excel in vocational programs that require structured, math-type of thought. These include accounting, mechanical engineering, and computer science and information technology.
Linguistic
You love using your words. Talking, writing and communicating top your list of skills. Programs that put a heavy emphasis on speech and writing (such as legal assistant, early childhood educator or counseling) may be right for you.
Interpersonal
These thinkers learn during person-to-person interactions. They enjoy spending time with other people, and may gravitate towards scholastic programs such as counseling or education.
Intrapersonal
Unlike interpersonal learners, intrapersonal thinkers look inwards. They're introspective and need educational programs that don't rely too heavily on interactions. Solo type of career programs (such as accountant or computer programmer) are often well-matched to this type of intelligence.
With the variety of vocational programs available, you're sure to find one (or a few) that match your intelligence type. Keep in mind, some people are combination learners. This means they have more than one type of intelligence. Excelling in multiple areas means that you have an even wider array of possible programs! For more information, contact a business such as New Mexico Institute of Dental Assisting.
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