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Multiple IntelligenceAccording to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, intelligence is defined as ?the ability to learn or understand.? For most cultures, traditional forms of assessing intelligence have been primarily based on IQ tests and other standardized tests. According to Dr. Howard Gardener, professor of education at Harvard University, he suggests there are seven different types of intelligences that all humans possess; however, most educational institutions focus on and praise only two types of intelligence, ?word smart? and ?number smart.? Dr. Gardner believes that society and educators should place equal importance on all the areas of intelligence, as well as allow individuals to nurture and develop their gifts. He says, ?Students possess different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember, perform, and understand in different ways.? Teachers must have an understanding of the seven areas of intelligence, identify the types of intelligence most utilized by their students and themselves, and incorporate multiple intelligences in a classroom to better reach each learner. The seven types of intelligence that Dr. Gardner identified are: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. People who are linguistically intelligent are able to use words effectively both orally and in writing. People who have a strong logical-mathematical intelligence use numbers effectively and reason well. Spatial intelligence includes sensitivity to form, space, color, line, and shape. It also includes the ability to graphically represent visual ideas. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence involves using the body to express ideas and feelings. Musical intelligence signifies people who are sensitive to rhythm, pitch and melody. It is demonstrated by people who have an intuitive understanding of music as well as by people whose understanding is more technical. Interpersonal intelligence involves having the ability to sense another person?s moods, feelings, motivations, and intentions. It also includes the ability to respond effectively to other people in some pragmatic way. Lastly, intrapersonal intelligence means having an accurate picture of yourself and being aware of your inner moods, intentions, temperaments, and desires. In addition to having an understanding of multiple intelligences, teachers should learn to identify the different types of learning styles of themselves, as well as their students. Dr. Thomas Armstrong, an education consultant, believes that educators should apply any new model of learning on ourselves before we apply it in the classroom. Therefore, we should understand our own learning profile before we assess our students. Dr. Mary Ann Christison, a professor of ESL, supports this by saying that the types of learning activities we choose as a teacher are often directly related to the totality of our experiences and in turn affect the multiple intelligence profile of our students. Essentially, the more we know about ourselves, the more we understand about our style of teaching, which enables us to understand how we can affect and influence the learning of our students. Additionally, cultural backgrounds as well as environmental factors can influence our intelligences. According to Joy M. Reid, a professor at Colorado State University, ESL students from different language backgrounds differ from one another in their learning style preferences. Teachers should be aware that students perform more successfully when they are involved in the teaching and learning process. Therefore, students should be informed of the theory of multiple intelligence and be provided with an opportunity to learn which type of intelligence(s) they most utilize. As a teacher, it is important to address each of the intelligences when giving lessons; however, teachers should be aware that it is impractical to accommodate every lesson to the seven learning styles. According to Armstrong, ?You don?t have to teach or learn something in all seven ways, just see what the possibilities are, and then decide which particular pathways interest you the most, or seem to be the most effective teaching tool.? When working with students, it is important to use instruction that enables each student to achieve academic success. Our students should be informed of different learning styles and be given an opportunity to learn about themselves. In addition, keeping track of our lesson activities and differentiating them will enhance our students learning. The idea of multiple intelligences is to better enhance the learning process for our students and provide a more stimulating classroom environment. Works Cited ? Armstrong, Thomas. Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom 3rd ed. alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2009. ? Gardner, Howard. Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic,1983 ? Christison, Mary Ann. Multiple Intelligences and Second Language Learning. The Journal of the Imagination in Language Learning: 8-13, 1995 ? Reid, Joy. The Learning Style Preferences of ESL students. TESOL Quarterly. Vol. 21, No. 1, March 1987
