How practical are multiple intelligence activities?
Howard Gardner, the “Father of Multiple Intelligence,” identified seven distinct intelligences that make up his theory of multiple intelligences (Edwards, 2009). The initial seven include:
1. Visual-spatial- learners are aware of their surrounding environments and enjoy learning through models, graphs, drawings, and imagery.
2. Bodily kinesthetic learners use the body and physical movement to learn through physical activity and hands-on learning.
3. Musical– these students show sensitivity to rhythm and sound and learn best through lyrics, speaking rhythmically, tapping out time.
4. Interpersonal intelligence is the understanding, and interacting with others. These students learn through social interaction, group activities, seminars, friends, dialogues. Cooperative learning as described by Marzano et. al. (2001) is a perfect example of a beneficial technique for the interpersonal learner.
5. Intrapersonal intelligence includes understanding oneself and being in tune with one’s inner feelings. These students are highly intuitive and motivated. They enjoy independent study, introspection, journal writing and privacy.
6. Linguistic – these students have highly developed auditory skills and tend to think in words. The best tools and techniques for learning are word games, making up stories and poems, multimedia and books.
7. Logical mathematical learners use reasoning calculation skills, think abstractly, and conceptually. They prefer to learn through logic games, investigations and solving mysteries.
Some teachers from the old school of thought may feel there is only one way to teach all children. They may find the idea of teaching to multiple intelligences cumbersome, time consuming and impractical. Howard explains during his interview with Edwards (2009) that this daunting task of change is not so much changing because of the theory of multiple intelligences itself, but change in general. He further asserts that a teacher who is a “keen observer” can distinguish the learning styles of his students. In addition, there are several ways to teach multiple learners using the same or similar tools and techniques. Thanks to digital media, individualizing has become much easier and more practical, according to Howard.
In a video clip “A Classroom of English Language Learners” (2011), Ms. Fernandez, a teacher at Coral Way Bilingual School, demonstrates how she uses a variety of instructional strategies to accommodate various learning styles. Her strategies include music and song, repetition, verbal interaction, kinesthetic techniques such as dance and acting out, and interpersonal methods through buddies and partnering activities. By the end of her lesson on homophones, for example, she has provided several styles of teaching to accommodate all of the various intelligences in her classroom. The lesson flows smoothly and easily, and all the students are actively engaged. Ms. Fernandez demonstrates how practical the multiple intelligence activities are, and how little, if any, additional effort she exerts. Of course, her talent and experience is evident, but all teachers regardless of experience should be skilled enough and care enough to put forth the effort to conduct such a classroom environment.
While some students may fall more heavily into one of these seven categories, many will possess a combination of more than one multiple intelligence. Howard suggests that being taught through a variety of methods will develop more well-rounded individuals. As students develop their learning styles throughout their academic careers and studies become more autonomous, they will determine which way or number of ways they learn best and be able to accommodate their own learning style to ensure success.
References:
Edwards, Owen (2009). An interview with the father of multiple intelligences. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-howard-gardner-interview
Marzano, Robert , et. al. Classroom instruction that works. ADCD: 2008.
SchoolTube. (2011). A visit to classrooms of english language learners [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.schooltube.com/video/acaca0e86f20635ba97e/A
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