Multiple intelligences

MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES by Tatyana A. Popova

Seven intelligences by Howard Gardner

“ We are all able to know the world through

• language,
• logical-mathematical analysis,
• spatial representation,
• musical thinking,
• the use of the body

to solve problems, to make things, to get understanding of other individuals, and, thus, understand ourselves.”

Individuals differ

• in the strength of these intelligences
• in the ways they are invoked
• in the ways they are combined

to carry out different tasks, solve diverse problems, and make progress .

So, how to reach our students?

Verbal/Linguistic

Students with this intelligence use words effectively. These learners even often think in words. They like reading, playing word games, making up poetry or stories. They can be taught by encouraging them to say, see words, and read books together. Tools include computers, games, multimedia, books, tape recorders, and lectures.

Visual/Spatial

Students like drawing, reading maps, and daydreaming. They can be taught through drawings, verbal and physical imagery. Tools include models, graphics, charts, photographs, drawings, 3-D modeling, video, videoconferencing, television, multimedia, texts with pictures/charts/graphs.

Musical

Students show sensitivity to rhythm and sound. They love music, but they are also sensitive to sounds in their environment. They may study better with music in the background. They can be taught by turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically, tapping time. Tools include musical instruments, radio and various multimedia.

Logical/ Mathematical

Students with this ability are generally successful with solving problems, doing activities, puzzles, exercises, drills, describing events in chronological order, formulas, maps and games. They like to experiment, to guess, and get information by questions. They can be taught through logic games, investigations, and mysteries.

Kinesthetic/Bodily

Students of this intelligence learn through games, role plays, miming & drama. They use body effectively, like a dancer or a surgeon. They like movement, making things, and touching. They communicate well through body language and can be taught through physical activity, hands-on learning, acting out, and

role playing.

Intrapersonal

Students understand one's own interests, goals. These learners tend to shy away from others. They're in tune with their inner feelings; they have wisdom, intuition and motivation, as well as a strong will, confidence and opinions. They can be taught through independent study and introspection. Tools include books, creative materials, diaries, privacy and time.

Intrerpersonal

These students learn through interaction. They have many friends. They can be taught through group activities, seminars, and dialogues. Tools include telephones, audio conferencing, video conferencing, writing, computer conferencing, and E-mail.

Naturalist

Students of this intelligence learn through the contact with nature, animals, natural research, and observation. They are stimulated through photographs of nature, outdoor classes, by creating new animals, and classifying

different items.

THE END

At first, it may seem impossible to teach to all learning styles. However, as we move into using a mix of multimedia it becomes easier. It satisfies many types of learning preferences that one person may embody. Multiple intelligences theory gives us a variety of approaches while teaching our students, helping to elicit the potential of every learning style.