Teach English in JiAngdulu Jiedao - Tianjin

Multiple Intelligence in the ESL ClassroomMultiple intelligence is a fascinating theory of intelligence developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. Gardner proposed that the way we conceptualize intelligence and measure it in IQ tests and standardized testing in school is way too limiting. He says our culture over emphasizes the first two of the eight intelligences: Linguistic intelligence ("word smart"), which is the most common where the teacher talks and student listens, and Logical-mathematical intelligence ("number/reasoning smart") which would be used in learning grammar. The other six intelligences we should look at more closely are: ? Spatial intelligence ("picture smart") ? Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence ("body smart") ? Musical intelligence ("music smart") ? Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart") ? Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart") ? Naturalist intelligence ("nature smart") Oftentimes in a traditional school setting, kids who gravitate towards the remaining 6 intelligences do not score as well and are sometimes labeled ?ADD? or ?underachievers? because they are not able to learn with the modalities presented in the traditional classroom. In this essay, I will provide a brief description of the remaining six listed above and how to incorporate various learning methods for students who show gifts with these ?other? intelligences. Spatial intelligence gives students visual clues to help them remember language. A good way to teach this in the ESL classroom is teaching vocabulary through use of pictures, graphs, maps, etc. As the teacher, I would incorporate drawing and use of color to facilitate this type of learning and games such as Pictionary to facilitate this type of learning. Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence combines physical actions with linguistic responses. In teaching, this is helpful for tying language to actions. For example, have a student role play using an actual credit card while saying, ?I?d like to pay by credit card.? Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to work with others. As the teacher I would use games such as Charades, miming and Simon Says? to appeal to this type of learner. Musical intelligence is the ability to recognize and communicate using melody, rhythm and harmony and is underestimated in the ESL classroom. english is a very rhythmic language and students are more able and likely to follow a teacher?s voice with rhythm and melody. In my classroom, students can learn through song lyrics and write their own lyrics to the melody of songs they already know. Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to work with others to accomplish tasks and utilized in ESL group work. Here they are able to develop english speaking skills while interacting in ?real? situations. To utilize the students? interpersonal intelligence, I would use group work and game such as ?Building a new society?, and assign the student who exhibits this intelligence as the ?leader?. Intrapersonal intelligence is learning one?s own motivation, skills and weaknesses through self knowledge. This is most useful in ESL for self study and critical for motivating the student long term. Journals can be an effective teaching tool, asking the students to write about how an english topic has affected the relationship with themselves. Naturalist intelligence is the ability to recognize elements of and learn from the natural world around us. In the ESL world, this will help students learn the english skills required to interact with their environment. A great teaching tool is to take the students on a fieldtrip and apply english in real-world situations. In summary, the theory of multiple intelligences proposes a major transformation in the way our schools and classrooms are run. We can begin to move away from the boring, dry way of teaching out of a textbook and lecturing to incorporating songs, cooperative learning, art activities, role play, inner reflection, role play and so much more. As an ESL teacher my primary goal is for the student?s enjoyment. If we don?t understand our students and what motivates them in the learning environment, then we can?t cater our lessons to how they learn. If we are not teaching them in a way that suits them, then they will become bored and complacent. The only way for real learning to take place is to get inside their brain and to make it fun!