Teach English in Wubaihu Zhen - Tianjin

Multiple Intelligence in the EFL ClassroomTo an EFL teacher who hasn?t been trained in Psychology or in the Theories of Learning, the term Multiple Intelligences may not be very familiar. Although one may not know about it, he or she may still be applying this theory in his or her classroom. What is the Theory of Multiple Intelligence all about? The Theory of Multiple Intelligences was introduced by Howard Gardner, a cognitive psychologist. According to Gardner, all human beings have nine different kinds of intelligences which we use to understand, to learn about and to learn from our environment. He believes that the presence of those nine intelligences varies in configuration per person. One may be intelligent in some ways and the next person in other ways. His theory states that students learn in more than one way; therefore, students will learn better if a subject matter is taught in various ways. Many individuals who are also adept in their fields have presented questions about Gardner?s theory and have not been provided answers yet; nevertheless, Multiple Intelligence Theory has been used widely in the field of education with very good results for many years. How do we recognize these intelligences in the students? Below are short descriptions of students who characterize the nine intelligences. Students with Linguistic Intelligence are sensitive to the spoken and written language. They learn faster by listening and/or reading and quickly learn a new language. These students also express themselves effectively using language. Students with Logical ? Mathematical Intelligence are very good in Science and Math. They excel in activities that require logical thinking and reasoning, calculating and problem solving. Students who possess Musical Intelligence are sensitive to music and to the various sounds and rhythm in their environment. They are able to study better with music background. They are able to appreciate and compose music and even perform using musical instruments. Students who possess Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence use their body to communicate and to produce something (ex. a dance). They enjoy movement and have a keen sense of body awareness. Students with Spatial Intelligence are very aware of their environment and of the physical space and patterns in spaces around them. These students enjoy drawing and doing jigsaw puzzles and use maps to get around. Students possessing Naturalist Intelligence are very aware of the natural world and the features that make it up, like plants, animals, etc. Students with Interpersonal Intelligence enjoy interacting with others. They are understanding and easily empathize with people. These students learn through interaction and work effectively with others. Students who possess Intrapersonal Intelligence tend to be more introverted. These students are in tune with their feelings, their fears and motivations. These students work better independently. Students possessing Existential Intelligence are interested in Philosophy and wonders about life and death. The Multiple Intelligence Theory definitely has a place in an EFL classroom. By applying the theory in the classroom, a teacher will be able to meet the needs of a multi-levelled class. He or she will also be able to help the students whose aptitude for learning new languages is lower than the others. Using the theory in an EFL classroom will entail a lot of planning and preparation from the teachers because she or he has to present a lesson in various ways where the different intelligences of the children are targeted. This is where the necessity of knowing one?s students comes in. Perhaps an additional tool to know the intelligences of the students can be administered the first time they take the course. This can just be passed on to the teachers when the students move to the next level. Applying the theory in an EFL classroom may initially be tedious since the teachers have to purposely prepare Study and Activate Stage activities that will provide students with experiential learning and more opportunities to work on a topic. As the teachers understand more fully the learning styles and intelligences of the students, the daunting task will become easier.