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Multiple Intelligences | |
| Popularized by Howard Gardner, this approach sees
intelligence not as a single factor, but rather as a set of different potentials or
abilities. There is currently no standard accepted instrument to measure multiple
intelligences. Both heredity and environment can play a factor. Because multiple intelligences can be learned and developed through experience, some have disputed using the term "intelligence" at all. Perhaps "talents" would be a better word. There is also the issue of whether one should focus on developing each individual intelligence at a time, or on integrating the different intelligences during instruction. Perhaps the best choice is to use as many different learning activities as possible, thus increasing students' range of abilities. Here is a list of the multiple intelligences, with possible instructional activities. Verbal/Linguistic This intelligence plays a major role in academic performance. Instructional activity: reading, writing, computer-mediated communication. Logical-Mathematical Another intelligence stressed by our schools. Instructional activity: problem solving, programming, using spreadsheets. Visual-Spatial This intelligence seems related to field independence. Instructional activity: Drawings, photos, slides, animation, using mental imagery, developing web pages, showing videos. Bodily Kinesthetic Instructional activity: role playing, writing on the whiteboard, being able to manipulate a web page with the mouse, visiting an avatar virtual world that allows some control of the avatar's movements. (An avatar is a visual representation of the self. Virtual worlds such as ActiveWorlds have a list of avatars from which visitors can choose.) Musical/Rhythmic Musical proficiency has been found to be slightly related to the preference for using asynchronous computer-mediated communication. Instructional activity: students may enjoy exploring an avatar virtual world that includes background music as part of the experience. Students could also compose a song that summarizes the course content. Intrapersonal This intelligence refers to how well we are aware of our own thought processes and emotions. Instructional activity: journal keeping, writing. Interpersonal This is how well we get along with others. Instructional activity: small group discussion and projects, instructional games. Spiritual This intelligence was recently added by Gardner. Instructional activity: Journal writing, discussion. |