Multiple Intelligences (MI)

Multiple Intelligences (MI)

1. Introduction

   • A feature of language learning classrooms is the diversity of learners who are often studying in the same class
     • Diversity refers to the many ways in which learners may differ from one another.
       • Motivations for learning English
       • Beliefs about how best to learn a language
       • The kinds of strategies they favor
       • Preference for different kinds of teaching methods
       • Classroom activities
   • More recent approaches to language teaching seek to acknowledge the differences learners bring to learning
   • Learners are viewed as possessing individual learning styles, preferences, and strategies, and these influence how they approach classroom learning and the kinds of learning activities they favor or learn most effectively from
   • (MI) refers to a learner-based philosophy that characterizes human intelligence as having multiple dimensions that must be acknowledged and developed in education
   • MI is based on the work of Howard Gardner of the Harvard Graduate School of Education (Gardner 1993)
   • MI belongs to a group of instructional perspectives that focus on differences between learners and the need to recognize learner differences in teaching.
   • Gardner originally posited eight native “ intelligences
     • Logical/mathematical
       • Ability to think rationally
     • Linguistic
       • Ability to use language in special and creative ways
     • Spatial
       • Ability to form mental models of the world
     • Bodily/kinesthetic
       • Having a well-coordinated body
     • Naturalist
       • Ability to understand and organize the patterns of nature
     • Musical
       • Having a good car for music
     • Interpersonal
       • The ability to be able to work well with people
     • Intrapersonal
       • Ability to understand oneself and apply ones talent successfully,
   • Gardner later suggested a ninth intelligence - existential intelligence
     • Linguistic intelligence
       • Word smart
     • Logical/mathematical intelligence
       • Number/reasoning smart
     • Visual/spatial intelligence
       • Picture smart
     • Bodily/ kinesthetic intelligence
       • Body smart
     • Musical intelligence
       • Music smart
     • Interpersonal intelligence
       • People smart
     • Intrapersonal intelligence
       • Self smart
     • Naturalist intelligence
       • Nature smart
     • Existentialist intelligence
       • Existence smart
   • Schools began to use MI theory to encourage learning that goes beyond traditional books, pens, and pencils
   • Teachers and parents were encouraged to recognize their IcarncrsVchildrens particular gifts and talents and to provide learning activities that build on those inherent gifts