Perceived Multiple Intelligences and Learning Preferences among Chinese Gifted Students in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between self-perceived multiple intelligences and five learning preferences among 604 Chinese gifted students in Hong Kong. These students perceived their strengths in interpersonal, intrapersonal, and verbal-linguistic intelligences and their weaknesses in bodily-kinesthetic and naturalist intelligences. They also indicated greater preferences in learning activities related to discussion, lecture, and peer teaching, followed by projects and simulations. In predicting the five learning preferences, personal intelligences generally emerged as common and significant predictors, suggesting that reflection and interpersonal skills contributed substantially to these learning activities. Students who reported having a greater number of learning preferences also gave themselves higher ratings on personal intelligences and verbal-linguistic intelligence. Implications of the findings in mapping learning preferences on multiple intelligences for teaching and learning are discussed.