1. Multiple Intelligences: 8 Ways of Teaching and Learning By Russ Headley Integrating Technology
2. What are Multiple Intelligences? “The uniqueness and diversity of students tells us that students are not just smart in one or two ways but in many ways.”---Howard Gardner As teachers, we should be aware of the 8 categories of Multiple Intelligences and adjust our teaching to accommodate these 8 categories, if possible
3. #1: Verbal/Linguistic Students who enjoy reading, speaking and discussing, writing, language, visual learning As a teacher, consider how you can use the spoken or written word to engage these students Read books and novels, tell stories, discuss or debate, write essays, keep journals, learn vocabulary words, study etymology, etc.
4. #2: Logical/Mathematical Students who enjoy math, numbers, logic As a teacher, consider how you can use numbers, calculations, logic, classifications, or critical thinking to engage these students Analyze data, apply information, decipher codes, list or organize facts, play pattern games, use graphic organizers, do calculations, use spreadsheets, etc.
5. #3: Visual/Spatial Students who enjoy arts and crafts, drawing, painting, pictures, photography As a teacher, consider how you can use visual aids, visualization, color, art, metaphor, or visual organizers Create collages, montages, designs, illustrations, mobiles, posters, sculptures, puppets, paintings or drawings, films, maps, puzzles, mazes, page layout software, etc.
6. #4: Musical Students who enjoy music, sound, rhythm, melody, singing, performance As a teacher, consider how you can use music, singing, and sounds to engage learners Create melodies, sounds, songs, jingles; perform individually or as a class or small group, evaluate music, use music software, interpret lyrics, listen to background music, play an instrument
7. #5: Bodily/Kinesthetic Students who enjoy “hands-on” learning, body expression, fine motor skills, physical exercise As a teacher, consider how you can involve the whole body and “hands-on” experiences to engage students Consider acting out concepts, using movements and formations, doing without talking, pantomime, skits, charades, building models and projects, visiting places, assembling and disassembling things, playing sports, stretching, yoga, working out, etc.
8. #6: Naturalist Students who love nature, observing, recording observations, and interacting with plant and animals As a teacher, consider how you can incorporate nature in your classroom Consider visiting a zoo, farm, aquarium, forest; take nature hikes or conduct class outside, record observation about nature, grow flowers, plant trees, devise classification systems, care for pets
9. #7: Interpersonal Students who like to work with others, solve conflicts, organize others As a teacher, consider how you can use debates, discussions, team activities, interviews, active listening, sharing, tutoring Consider using collaborative learning, compromising, mediation, role-playing, solving problems as teams, planning events, motivating others, delegating tasks
10. #8: Intrapersonal Students who are introspective, reflective, private, independent learners As a teacher, consider action plans, setting goals, reflection and introspection, diaries and journals, silent reading, alternatives Consider relating content to personal experiences, defending a position, examining feelings and memories, autobiographies, personal poetry, listing priorities
11. Conclusion Consider these 8 Multiple Intelligences and how you might be able to use each of them to more effectively teach and engage your students. Remember: “Variety is the spice of life,” and if you incorporate these 8 ideas, your teaching becomes more exciting, varied, and interesting! Go to these links to test your own and your students’ multiple intelligences! http://www.berghuis.co.nz/abiator/lsi/mi_test.html }http://www.jaconline.com.au/sosealive/home/mitest.swf
