Multiple Intelligences

Everyone is familiar with three main leaning styles which are visual learners, auditory learners and kinesthetic learners. Beyond these three theories , there are many approaches for human teaching and learning. one of them is Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence.These intelligence  relate to a person’s unique aptitude set of capabilities and ways they might prefer to demonstrate intellectual abilities.

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence

1. Verbal-linguistic intelligence (well-developed verbal skills and
sensitivity to the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words)
2. Logical-mathematical intelligence (ability to think conceptually and
abstractly, and capacity to discern logical and numerical patterns)
3. Spatial-visual intelligence (capacity to think in images and pictures, to
visualize accurately and abstractly)
4. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (ability to control one’s body movements
and to handle objects skillfully)
5. Musical intelligences (ability to produce and appreciate rhythm, pitch
and timber)
6. Interpersonal intelligence (capacity to detect and respond appropriately
to the moods, motivations and desires of others)
7. Intrapersonal (capacity to be self-aware and in tune with inner feelings,
values, beliefs and thinking processes)

(Source: Thirteen ed online, 2004)

There are some ways to apply multiple intelligence theory in teaching and learning. This is the link on instructional techniques and activities using 7 types of multiple intelligence in classroom teaching and learning. http://www.saisd.net/admin/curric/sstudies/handson/multintell.pdf

Even though there are many techniques to implement multiple intelligence theory in real life classroom. There is always advantages and disadvantages in techniques we teachers use in classroom.

ADVANTAGES:

1.  The different intelligence help point out which ares students need help in.
2. When a teacher ' teach for understanding' , the students will be able to create useful educational experiences and be able to solve problems in life
3. It helps students to build up confidence as it demonstrates how they can use their strengths to address their weaknesses. 
4. It motivates students to find where their interest and strength lies and push their abilities further.

CRITICISM :  Multiple intelligence approach is naturally attractive but the crucial criticism is that no valid measurement tool is available and it is difficult to prove. Therefore, it is accused of being ambiguous and subjective, instead of objective. Moreover, the assessments/ materials are complex and expensive to design. Some also argue that Gardner's intelligence are better understood as cognitive styles, or ways of thinking, rather than distinct types of intelligence.

conclusion

 students begin to understand their strengths and weaknesses. According to Gardner, learning is both social and psychological process. when students are able to understand the balance of their multiple intelligence, they will be able to manage their own learning. However, MI does not provide teachers with new IQ labels for their students. 

reference

Thirteen ed online (2004). Tapping into multiple intelligences. http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index.html

Ukessays.com,. (2014). Benefits of Multiple Intelligence in English Language Teaching. Retrieved 18 November 2014, from http://www.ukessays.com/essays/education/benefits-of-multiple-intelligence-in-english-language-teaching-education-essay.php#ixzz3JQlgMyT4