An Example For Putting Multiple Intelligences Together to Teach English

Multiple intelligence theory is great, but how to put multiple intelligence to use in the English language learning classroom? Here is an example of a lesson focusing on the use of expressions of quantity. Each exercise in the lesson focuses on a different type of intelligence. You can use them together if dividing students into small groups according to their type of intelligence , or with the whole class by applying more than one type.

Aim: Focus on expressions of quantity used with countable and uncountable nouns

Activity: Focus on using multiple intelligences

Level: intermediate

Outline:

• Verbal / Linguistic Intelligence: Ask students a variety of questions using how much and how many. Discuss the differences between the two and explain countable and uncountable nouns and the role each plays in using expressions of quantity.
• Visual / Spatial Intelligence: Provide students with a number of magazines. Ask them to cut out pictures and match to expressions of quantity such as 'a few', 'a little', 'a number of', etc.
• Logical Intelligence: Provide a list of expressions of quantity. Divide the list into three columns, one with expressions of quantity used only in the singular with uncountable nouns, another with countable nouns, and the third with expressions quantity that can be used for both countable and uncountable nouns. On another piece of paper, provide a list of common nouns. Ask students to use an expression of quantity with each noun.
• Kinesthetic Intelligence: Place countable and uncountable objects around the room, ask students to take objects and place them under categories. You can use either individual expressions of quantity, or two categories: countable nouns / uncountable nouns.
• Musical Intelligence: Use a grammar chant to help out through repetition. 
• Interpersonal: Provide students with some imaginary items which are both countable and uncountable. Ask students to barter for these items using expressions of quantity. For example: I'll give you a few apples for some milk.

MI Theory in teaching English Language ...

Here's a quick overview of multiple intelligences as applied to English language teaching:

• Verbal / Linguistic - Learning English through the use of words. A great example of this type of English learning is standard teacher centered learning. The teacher explains an English learning objective and the students learn. However, students can also learn through explaining English to each other.
• Visual / Spatial - Learning English through visual means including charts, graphs, maps, etc. Any type of English learning activity that asks students to interpret visual information can contribute to visual or spatial intelligence. Vocabulary trees are also a great example of using visual intelligence to improve English vocabulary skills.
• Logical - Learning English through the use of logical deduction. Understanding the rules of grammar and applying them when diagraming sentences is a perfect example of logical intelligence used in an English teaching setting.
• Kinesthetic - Learning English through physical engagement. Typing is a great example of kinesthetic learning. Many English learners improve their spelling skills by typing out and using word processing programs. Fun games such as acting out 'heads, shoulders, knees and toes' are also examples of kinesthetic English learning activities.
• Musical Intelligence - Learning English through song. Any student who sings along with their favorite pop star in English is using musical intelligence to acquire English language skills.
• Interpersonal - English learning through group activities. Some students really enjoy group work, these students probably enjoy using their interpersonal intelligence to acquire skills in a second language - English.

Some Ideas to Use The MI Survey Results

To apply what you have learned about MI Theory , first you will need a  Teacher Quick Reference Form to record all the student survey scores on one page - the form is ready for those who need it , just contact me on guideofteaching@gmail.com and i will send it to you- .

Using this quick reference can give you valuable information about each student and the class as a whole !

During the studying year you will be able to use your information to do different things :

- Design and prepare variable learning activities .

  You can design lesson plans that engage multiple intelligence instead of counting on the traditional ways.

this doesn't mean that you must develop eight different activities for every lesson ! it just means that you should be aware of different learning styles and provide a variety of pathways to learning for each topic studied. 

- Divide your class into small groups. 

Counting on the results reference that you will fill up , you can divide students in your class by different ways , you may group students with similar abilities and types of intelligence to do their activities cooperatively. 

or you may group them with a variety of different strengths ! according to your aims , and your designed activity. But in all cases you'll be forming team based on their strengths. 

- Solving students' difficulties problems.

By taking a look to your reference sheet , you will easily recognize the points of strengths that a weak student in your class has. 

you can easily teach him in a way that is more meaningful for him , if you can present the material in a way that makes use of your students' strengths.

Coming up with more useful details soon :)

More About ( Mathematical - Logical ) People

People who are strong in the Mathematical - Logical area are sometimes called Math Smart. They like using numbers and mathematical symbols to help them understand new concepts. They enjoy solving problems, experimenting, and using logical reasoning to figure things out. They ask a lot of questions and enjoy playing strategy games that involve thinking and planning ahead. They tend to understand new math ideas easily and are strong in math computation. 

More About ( Verbal - Linguistic ) People

People who are strong in the Verbal - Linguistic area are sometimes called Word Smart because they communicate  well using spoken or written language. They are generally good at writing and spelling, and they enjoy reading for pleasure. They like word games as well as riddles, jokes, and puns. Verbal - Linguistic people have large, descriptive vocabularies, and they enjoy learning new words. They learn new information best through reading, writing, and listening. 

More About ( Musical -Rhythmic ) People

People who are Musical - Rhythmic enjoy listening to and creating music. They like to communicate their thoughts and  feelings through music. They can read and understand musical symbols easily. They may enjoy playing and instrument, singing, composing music, or writing song lyrics. They may create musical instruments from things around them such as sticks, cans  or rocks. Music and rhythm help them learn. 

More About ( Visual - Spatial ) People

People who are Visual - Spatial are sometimes called Art Smart, although they aren't always artistic in the traditional sense.

Visual/Spatial individuals tend to think in visual images and learn best when material is presented through pictures, charts, diagrams, and graphic organizers. They often enjoy drawing and designing, using color and /or shapes in pleasing ways, or arranging objects. They usually have a good sense of direction and can read maps easily. 

More About ( Intrapersonal ) People

People who are strong in the Intrapersonal area are called Self Smart because they are in touch with their own moods and emotions. They enjoy being alone and having time to explore their own thoughts  feelings, beliefs  and dreams. They learn best when they have time to think about new ideas. They are able to set realistic goals for themselves and enjoy reflecting on how they can improve. Hint: "Intra-" means ""within," so "intrapersonal" means " within self."

More About ( Interpersonal ) People

People who are skilled in the Interpersonal area are sometimes called People Smart . They enjoy working with other people and they get along well with many different  types of people. They like being a part of a team and learn best when they are allowed to talk over new ideas. They make great friends because they are understanding and respect others' views. They also make excellent leaders and have the ability to motivate others. hint : " Inter-" means  " between, " so " interpersonal" means " between people."

More About ( Naturalist ) People

Naturalists are called Nature Smart because they enjoy learning about the natural world including plants, animals , the earth , weather  and space. They may be naturally good at taking care of plants or animals, and may seem to have a special bond with living things . Naturalists have a deep concern for the environment and a desire to preserve nature for future generations. They often enjoy collecting natural objects such as rocks, insects, and leaves. 

More About ( Bodily - Kinesthetic Intelligence ) People

Bodily - Kinesthetic people are called Body Smart because they enjoy movement and like using their bodies  to express themselves. They enjoy physical activities which might include sports, dancing , acting , or performing, and hands-on activities. They may also enjoy outdoor activities like biking , kayaking, or hiking. They may spend time exercising or working out at a gym They learn best when movement or action is involved, such as role playing , pantomime, taking something apart, sorting objects, or moving about

 the room .  

The Multiple Intelligence Theory

Speaking about intelligence .. 

Dear Teachers,

      You need to know that , for those students who score low in math for example , that doesn't mean to assume they will never be good in math- maybe they need to activate different pathways to understanding math such as through music or movement. Understanding our strengths and weaknesses can help us improve and grow in all areas. 

That's why the MI ( Multiple Intelligence ) theory is so important , the Multiple Intelligence ( MI )theory is a theory that was published in 1983 by Dr .Howard Gardner in his book ( Frames of Mind ) , he proposed an entirely new way of looking at intelligence  he propose that humans are intelligent in many different ways, and each type of intelligence is correlated to a specific area of the brain and corresponds with certain personal skills and preferences  He explored many possibilities for the different types of intelligence  and after many years of research and study. he settled on the eight multiple types of intelligence that we mentioned in the previous post .. 

and here are they again to remember them , and a simple expression next to each of them to make it easy for you and for students to understand their meaning .. ( MY STUDENTS  ! .. do they have to know their type of intelligence !!! ?? ) .. 

yes of course ! , your student should proudly know his type of intelligence , this is a simple message that has a great meaning for him that ( every one is intelligent including him of course !  :)  ) 

Again the eight types of intelligence are :

Intelligence Areas          =      Smart Words 

Verbal - Linguistic                Word Smart

Visual - Spatial                     Art Smart

Mathematical - Logical         Math Smart

Musical - Rhythmic               Music Smart 

Bodily - Kinesthetic              Body Smart

Naturalist                             Nature Smart 

Interpersonal                        People Smart

Intrapersonal                        Self Smart 

Now , the important question comes ... how would i recognize the ( MI ) of my students in the classroom .. 

actually there are many ways, starting by direct observation , passing through experimental applications during students' application for different kinds of activities , ending by applying surveys .. 

There are a number of ready made surveys , contact me by sending an e-mail to ( guideofteaching@gmail.com) and i will be happy sending you the one that i have , actually it is convenient for grade levels between 4-8 , the student survey is not scientific or researched - based in any way . it was created because the famous surveys are too long and complicated , to keep it simple , the survey includes just 3 descriptive statements for each of the eight areas As a result , the survey may not be a particularly accurate assessment for many students but for sure it is an indicator. That's why direct observation during classes and during students' performance to different types of activities are really important to support the survey's result.

later on , we will speak about different ideas of teaching using the MI theory. 

Good luck :)

Eight types of intelligence

There are eight types of intelligence

1- Linguistic intelligence - the gift of words. 

Linguistic intelligent people best understand the world through the spoken and written word. 

2-Visual/Spatial Intelligence - the gift of pictures 

Visual/Spatial intelligent people best understand the world through visualization and spatial orientation. 

3- Musical - The gift of music 

Musical intelligent people best understand the world through rhythm and melody.

4- Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence - the gift of body

Bodily Kinesthetic intelligent people best understand the world through physicality.

5- Logical /Mathematical - the gift of logic and numbers

Mathematically and Logically intelligent people best understand the world through cause and effect.

6- Interpersonal Intelligence- the gift of people

Socially intelligent people best understand the world through the eyes of others.

7- Intrapersonal - the gift of self 

Intrapersonally intelligent people best understand the world from their unique point of view. 

8- Naturalist Intelligence- the gift of nature 

Environmentally intelligent people best understand the world from their unique point of view .

The presence of eight different types of intelligence doesn't mean that you have only one of them ! , you might be having one , or more types of intelligence ,  but in different ratios . 

What really matters , the type of intelligence that is mostly found in each of your students !? , knowing this will cut the way to your student short , as it will give you the key that you need to make it easy for your student to get to understand your lesson.. Try to figure it out , that will make teaching  much much easier for you.

Some characteristics of great teachers

·    Great teachers set high expectations for all students. They expect that all students can and will achieve in their classroom, and they don't give up on underachievers.

·    Great teachers have clear, written-out objectives. Effective teachers have lesson plans that give students a clear idea of what they will be learning, what the assignments are and what the grading policy is. Assignments have learning goals and give students opportunities to practice new skills. The teacher is consistent in grading and returns work in a timely manner.

·    Great teachers are prepared and organized. They are in their classrooms early and ready to teach. They present lessons in a clear and structured way. Their classrooms are organized in such a way as to minimize distractions.

·    Great teachers engage students and get them to look at issues in a variety of ways. Effective teachers use facts as a starting point, not an end point; they ask "why" questions, look at all sides and encourage students to predict what will happen next. They ask questions frequently ( ongoing evaluation )  to make sure students are following along. They try to engage the whole class, and they don't allow a few students to dominate the class. They keep students motivated with varied.

·    Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show that they care about them as people. Great teachers are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. Teachers with these qualities make themselves available to students and parents who need them. They are involved in school-wide committees and activities, and they demonstrate a commitment to the school.

·    Great teachers are masters of their subject matter. They exhibit expertise in the subjects they are teaching and spend time continuing to gain new knowledge in their field. They present material in an enthusiastic manner .

·    Great teachers communicate frequently with parents. They reach parents through conferences and frequent written reports home. They don't hesitate to pick up the telephone to call a parent if they are concerned about a student.

Signs of a poor teacher

   Let's start by the characteristics of the poor teacher, make sure that you don't have any of them! 

These are the warning signs that there may be a problem with your child's teacher:

·    Your child complains that his teacher singles him out repetitively with negative remarks.

·    The teacher is the last one to arrive in the morning and the first to leave in the afternoon. He doesn't return phone calls or respond to written communication.

·    Your child rarely brings work home from school.

·    Homework assignments are not returned.

·    The teacher does not send home frequent reports or communications to parents.

·    The teacher exhibits limited knowledge of the subject he is teaching.

·    Lessons lack organization and planning.

·    The teacher refuses to accept any input from parents.