Using Multiple Intelligences to Drive Instruction

Using Multiple Intelligences to Drive Instruction

Cognitive psychologist Harold Gardner believed that if we acknowledge student differences and cater to the areas in which children are “smart”, we will be able to facilitate learning more efficiently.  Gardner stated that there are 8 Intelligences: interpersonal, intrapersonal, kinesthetic, existential, logical, linguistic, or visual, and if we allow students to use strength areas, they will experience increased success.  By using Gardner’s theory in our teaching, we provide students with choice in learning, thereby allowing them to take charge of their own learning.  Numerous quizzes are available online for students of all ages to determine strength areas.  After students take the quiz and see how they are “smart”, begin planning instruction that plays on those areas for individual students.  If students are musical, for example, allow them to create a song or rap about a character from a novel.  If they are kinesthetic, have them complete activities through a hands-on and active approach.  Create assessments that move away from the standard question and essay, and instead, give alternate ways students can demonstrate their learning through projects that cater to how they best learn.  When we look at students as individuals with diverse learning styles, learning is much more meaningful and lasting.