LOADING

Type to search

Classroom Pedagogies

Apply multiple intelligences theory in classroom

Apply multiple intelligences theory in classroom

The theory of multiple intelligences has become popular today, thanks to Harvard Gardner. Any teacher can apply the theory in his/her classroom with just a bit of effort and thought. However, at first, let’s look at what these specific kinds of intelligences are.

Multiple intelligences theory classifies types of intelligences into eight categories:

1) Visual-Spatial: They think in terms of physical space. They are good with reading charts; grasping working models; and understanding concepts when shown in graphics

2) Bodily-kinesthetic: Learners who fall into this category have a keen sense of body awareness. They understand something better when it involves a physical activity such as a role-play or making hands-on models.

3) Musical: They understand everything through sound and rhythm. They respond well to audio-dialogues. Primary students and kindergarteners relate to music and lyrics very keenly.

4) Linguistic: Linguistic learners think and understand in terms of words. They are good with word games, stories, and poetry.

5) Interpersonal: They learn better when they work as a group. They can be taught through group discussions, team activities, and workshops.

6) Intrapersonal:  Students have intrapersonal abilities are the most independent learners. While studying, they prefer space, time, and privacy. They are often avid readers.

7) Logical-Mathematical: They are good at calculating figures. They often enjoy solving puzzles and mysteries.

8) Naturalist: They enjoy exploring the natural world of plants and animals. They enjoy outdoor activities and are often very observant.

There a few things you can implement in a classroom environment to cater to different learning styles. It is advisable to allocate the same activity to an entire class. Let the whole class be exposed to a new way of learning and in the process, a few students take to one particular way better than the other. Read a few pointers:

– A role play to understand and retain history and literature lessons better. Divide students into groups of five and ask them to concisely re-write, say, a lesson in French Revolution. Then, they can develop that into a skit having characters  of different rulers and soldiers.

– Incorporate hands-on physical models to illustrate concepts across science subjects such as eclipses of the moon, germination of seeds, and parts of a flower.

– Let Class X students formulate research questions on a particular topic in social science. Letting them do surveys in their respective localities works for civics topics. This requires both logical and interpersonal skills. Later, to write a thesis based on the data acquired needs linguistic skills too.

– Give them a topic related to a social evil and let them come up with a small street play on it.

– Let them design posters.

– For students in lower grades, it works if you play simple music with lyrics that talk about concepts already taught in class. It could be tenses or nouns.

Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *