Multiple Intelligences- YOU ARE SMART!

Today I learned about Multiple Intelligences. This is a fascinating study that I definitely want to learn more about. Howard Gardner developed the theory that there are eight different intelligences. Every individual possesses all of them but has a dominant one. Weaker intelligences can be strengthened with instruction and use. Traditionally intelligence was thought to be measured by standard testing in core subjects such as math, science and language arts. However, the theory of Multiple Intelligences allows us to see that there is more to be considered. As a teacher the discovery of a student’s MI can direct teaching strategies in order to have a stronger impact on learning. I believe learners will develop an enthusiasm for knowledge when their MI and style of learning is incorporated into aspects of the curriculum. The chart below is found at http://www.literacyworks.org/mi/intro/quickreview.html. I took an assessment (link found below the chart) and discovered that my dominant intelligence is language. This was not a surprise to me as I have always loved everything to do with language arts. The dominant intelligence will be the one that the individual learns the best by. Following close behind language I am strong in intrapersonal intelligence and naturalist intelligence. Once these things were identified and validated I immediately felt a sense of confidence. I think that students will feel the same when they see that they are valued for who they are and not just for their scores on a state benchmark test. 

	Sensitive to language, meanings, and the relationship of words	Vocabulary activities, grammar, poetry, essays and plays
	Keen observer, able to think in three dimensions, likes to use metaphors	Graphs, charts, color codes, guided imagery, pictures, posters, mind maps
	Abstract thinking, counting, organizing; prefers logical structures	Critical thinking activities, breaking words into smaller parts and reassembling them
	Good body control and fine motor skills; often active and animated	Needs "hands-on" learning opportunities, like games, skits, and plays
	Sensitive to rhythm, pitch, intonation, and can remember tunes and rhythms easily	Likes poems, plays, jazz chants, rap music, songs, and musically guided imagery
	Sensitive to others’ moods, feelings, and motivations; outgoing and interactive	Likes to talk with people, enjoys discussion groups, good at verbal problem solving
	Has a sense of self, able to understand and access one’s own feelings	Likes poetry, meditation, guided imagery, journal writing, story telling
	Sensitive to nature and environment; knows the names of rocks, flowers, birds; loves to be outdoors	Likes to work in the garden, read plants and animals, study habits of fish or birds, read nature magazines, go hiking, walk outside

To access a Multiple Intelligences assessment click on the link below.

http://www.literacyworks.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html 

This is a chart of the MI's in my computer apps class. It represents real people with real intelligence. It is a image that represents diversity in learning styles. From just looking at this chart we can see that there is a wide variety of MI's represented. When a teacher employs the MI theory to crafting lessons he or she will be able to close the gap and in some form or another reach each student.