How do I apply multiple intelligences (M.I.) theory in my classroom?
There are many different ways to apply multiple intelligences theory
in the classroom. You probably employ a variety of intelligences already.
At all levels of education, teachers are transforming subject-specific
lessons and curriculum units into meaningful M.I. experiences.
History courses study period music and art.
Science units incorporate visual, musical and kinesthetic experiences.
Language arts classes reading Civil War literature visit re-enactments
and build a topographical map.
As educators explore more effective methods of assessment, they
frequently encourage their students to demonstrate understanding
through M.I. activities.
Elementary school students compose and perform songs about math
concepts which satisfy the rubrics they and their teachers have
developed.
Middle school students create multimedia presentations combining
animations, MIDI compositions, and writing to satisfy interdisciplinary
unit requirements.
High school students demonstrate mastery of self-formulated
research questions through art, writing portfolios, and giving
speeches before panels of local citizens.
While you look at the following grid, think of
Other events, artifacts, content and activities you might incorporate
into the subject matter you teach.
A variety of appropriate ways students in your classroom might
demonstrate understanding.
Dance recital, athletic performance or competition
Interpersonal
Teams, group work, specialist roles
Plays, debates, panels, group work
Intrapersonal
Reflection time, meditation exercises
Journals, memoirs, diaries, changing behaviors, habits,
personal growth
Naturalist
Terrariums, aquariums, class pets, farm, botanical garden
and zoo visits, nature walks, museum visits
Collecting, classifying, caring for animals at nature centers
Existential
Working on causes, charity work, astrology charts
Community service
The ultimate goal of M.I. theory -- to increase student understanding
-- is something for which good teachers have long striven. Excellent
educators have always addressed the needs of their variously intelligent
students. In this sense the real values of M.I. theory are:
To legitimize the powerful and wide-reaching curricula many
teachers have always delivered.
To systematize and broadcast the theory and methodology of
an enriched curriculum.
Classroom activities frequently activate and utilize more than
one of the multiple intelligences. Now consider how you would
add to and interpret the items on the following list:
Group discussion - Verbal-Linguistic; Interpersonal
Composing a song - Musical/Rhythmic; Verbal-Linguistic
Building a model or 3-D displays - Kinesthetic; Logical-Mathematical
In this section of the M.I. Workshop (Exploration), you will
have many opportunities to both analyze what you're already doing
well, and to explore some new techniques that you can add to your
repertoire.
How will we explore multiple intelligences theory in the classroom?
How do I apply multiple intelligences (M.I.) theory in my classroom?
