hat Is Thanksgiving

Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences (M.I.) encompasses and argues the following. 

“The theory of multiple intelligences was proposed by Howard Gardner in 1983 to analyze and better describe the concept of intelligence.

Gardner argues that the concept of intelligence as traditionally defined in psychometrics (IQ tests) does not sufficiently describe the wide variety of cognitive abilities humans display. For example, the theory states that a child who learns to multiply easily is not necessarily more intelligent than a child who has stronger skills in another kind of intelligence. The child who takes more time to master simple multiplication 1) may best learn to multiply through a different approach, 2) may excel in a field outside of mathematics, or 3) may even be looking at and understand the multiplication process at a fundamentally deeper level. Such a fundamentally deeper understanding can result in what looks like slowness and can hide a mathematical intelligence potentially higher than that of a child who quickly memorizes the multiplication table despite a less detailed understanding of the process of multiplication” (Wikipedia.com).

·       Verbal-linguistic learns best through reading, hearing, and seeing words and speaking, writing, discussing, and debating ideas.

·       Math-logical learns best through working with patterns and relation-ship, classifying and categorizing, and working with the abstract.

·       Spatial learn best in with pictures and colors, visualizing and using the mind’s eye, and drawing.

·       Bodily-kinesthetic learn best touching, moving, and processing knowledge through bodily sensation.

·       Musical learn best with rhythm and melody, singing, and listening to music and melodies.

·       Interpersonal learn best through sharing, comparing and relating with others, interviewing, and cooperating.

·       Intrapersonal learn best through working alone, doing self-pacing projects, and reflecting.

·       Naturalists learn best when working in nature, exploring living things, and learning about plants and natural events (Denig, 2004, pg.16)

In order to have learning communities that are inclusive of all types of learners, it is advisable, based on Gardner’s M.I., that teachers incorporate M.I products based on learning profiles into our curriculum, especially when an individual or a group of student strongly posses one or more intelligences than others.   

Guiding Question:

How do we incorporate Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences into our classrooms?

We will review a mini-lesson that incorporates a M.I. product based on Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences and then reflect and discuss.