Multiple Intelligences and Dunn and Dunn learning styles with application to Accounting and Finance
There are many different learning style theories and models that have been formed in order to help individuals complete tasks, and learn to the best of their abilities by using their strengths whether that be their intelligence type, personality type, learning style, or more their personal preference of how to learn, where to learn, who to learn with etc. I have researched two of these theories in depth, and implement them within an Accounting and Finance field to see which may be most powerful. The two chosen learning styles are the Multiple Theories Model, and Dunn and Dunn Learning Styles Model.
It is generally endorsed that the Multiple Intelligences Theory Model includes seven different intelligences, as the theory was first brought to light in Howard Gardens book Frames Of Mind in 1983, the theory has continued to elaborate and it is now often accepted that the theory has eight or nine intelligences. The original seven intelligences are composed based on an individuals capability and perception, included in these are linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, kinaesthetic/bodily, spatial/visual, interpersonal, and intrapersonal, with the later added additional intelligences being naturalist/spiritual, and moral (Howard, G, (2011). Frames Of Mind. 2nd ed. U.S.A.: Basic Books.). Of these intelligences the one that is most applicable to Accounting and Finance is the Logical-Mathematical intelligence, it is stated that a person for who this is their dominant intelligence is notably good at solving and analysing problems, and general mathematical procedures, they also have a tendency to think abstractly and conceptually about problems, relationships, and ideas. (Cherry, K (2014). Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. [ONLINE] Available at: http://psychology.about.com/od/educationalpsychology/ss/multiple-intell_4.htm. [Last Accessed 07/11/2014].) The interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences may also be relevant to a person studying or in a career of the subject area accounting. An individual with a strong interpersonal intelligence is said to be good at interacting with others, being able to look at situations from a range of perspectives and angles, being able to read other emotions, and settle conflict within group situations. This is a very useful intelligence within the accounting field as group and team work is likely, saying this it is also important for an individual to be clear in their own emotions, motivations, and self-strengths and weaknesses, therefore the intrapersonal intelligence is probable for those linked with accounting (Cherry,k (2014.)Gardeners Theory of Multiple Intelligences.).
Comparable with the Multiple Intelligences Theory Model is the Dunn and Dunn Learning Styles Model originally constructed by Rita and Kenneth Dunn in 1978. The learning style adopts David Kolby’s VAK learning style using its three fundamental learning groups, visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic to determine the learners individual dominant learning style (Coffield, F.; Moseley, D.; Hall, E.; Ecclestone, K. (Ed.) (2004): Learning Styles and Pedagogy in post-16 Learning: A Systematic and Critical Review Wiltshire: Learning and Skills Research Centre). Usually one or two of the groups is most commanding and displays the best way for the person to learn, the way in which is best for a person to learn may change depending on the particular task (Penger,S & Tekavcic,M, (2009). Testing Dunn & Dunn's and Honey & Mumford's Learning Style Theories: The Case Of The Slovenian Higher Education System. Management: Journal of Contemporary Management Issues Vol. 14, pp.1-20). Dunn and Dunn’s learning styles model consists of five various strands and elements, these are environmental, emotional, sociological, physiological, and psychological.
When contrasting the two I found that the leading difference between the two theories is that
