Educational research has demonstrated that there are a variety of ways of being smart, and a variety of ways that people learn.

Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Intelligence

Multiple intelligences, not a single IQ, exist, and can be leveraged in learning. They include logical, spatial, mathematical, musical, verbal, intrapersonal and interpersonal elements. Researchers, such as Harvard's Howard Gardner, believe that Intrapersonal (self understanding) and interpersonal (people skill) abilities are native intelligences. As with musical or athletic or verbal abilities, some people seem to have extraordinary natural aptitudes in these areas, while the rest of us start with less. However, everyone can learn to reach a level of competence that makes life satisfying and enjoyable for them, and increases their value to others.

Different Styles of Learning

Learning styles are not about what you learn best, but how you learn most easily. They apply across the board, including to the learning of people skills. Some people need to understand the big picture before they can understand any of the parts. Others can't see the big picture until after they have mastered the parts. Some people rely on feelings and intuition to learn; others rely completely on facts. Some like to jump in and experiment - they never read manuals. Others like to sit back and watch before they try on their own.

People bring distinct learning styles to processing information. Learning success depends on a match between the style of the learner and method of the teacher.

The design of the Whole Spectrum Learning System that underpins all of Ripple Effects Social Learning Software applications comes directly out of these findings. Both adults and children can approach any of the products according to their preferred ways of learning. Every one of the hundreds of mini-tutorials has no fewer than eight different modes of access. e-mail us for a walkthrough of the Whole Spectrum Learning System.