MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES
“It’s not HOW smart you are- It’s how YOU are smart“–Howard Gardner Typically children are considered “intelligent and smart” only if they perform well in studies and are good with reading, writing and mathematics Howard Gardner has brought in a whole new way to our understanding of intelligence and nurturing potential. The way is path breaking and has many implications for parents and schools It states that different people are not more or less intelligent, rather they are intelligent differently and in multiple ways (not only with reading writing and Math!) that intelligence is the ability to solve problems and create products and needs to be assessed “on the job”
LINGUISTIC INTELLIGENCE
The intelligence of writers and poets
- Sensitive to Words, Grammar, Sound & rhythm
- Can convey information effectively
- Explain & enthuse others effectively through use of language
MUSICAL INTELLIGENCE
The intelligence of composers
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Sensitive to Pitch, Rhythm and Timbre in music
LOGICAL MATHEMATICAL INTELLIGENCE
The intelligence of scientists and mathematicians
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Sorting &ordering (in different categories).
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Understand statements, propositions, functions & complex propositions.
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Capable of making related abstractions
SPATIAL INTELLIGENCE
The intelligence of artists and architects.
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Recognizing an object, picture, line or graphic from different angles & views (i.e. a plane seen from above, below, from the side).
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Ability to conjure up imagery & graphic likeness of different view of the same of objects, line or symbols
BODILY KINESTHETIC INTELLIGENCE
The intelligence of dancers sportsmen and gymnasts
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Control of body movements and ability to handle objects skilfully
INTERPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE
The intelligence of statesmen and social activists
- Empathy, social skills and ability to discriminate between many personal cues.
- Prioritize intensity and Respond effectively to cues.
- Inspire people to positive actions & tide over negative emotions
INTRAPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE
The intelligence of philosophers
- Displays Self control, discipline zeal, self motivation and persistence against odds.
NATURALIST INTELLIGENCE
The intelligence of environmentalists
- Identify, distinguish & classify the categories of plants & animals & work with them Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard School of Education at Harvard University Every child is different with a unique profile and a combination of intelligences. They indicate what the child would enjoy doing and be good at naturally. The profile also indicates how the child processes information, and learns best. However the intelligences need opportunities to develop further and for the child to realise his potential!
MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES IN THE CLASSROOM
Using multiple intelligences in the classroom could be a very effective way of catering to the needs of all children. The theory lends itself to be adapted in various teaching and learning situations, taking into consideration that there are various combinations of intelligences in different children. An MI based lesson plan, can dynamically change learner interest and attitude. Points to keep in mind while using MI in the classroom: Every intelligent does not have to be incorporated into every lesson.
It is not enough to just surround students with stimuli from various intelligences, it needs to be actively worked on. There isn’t significant merit in formally labelling each student. Student understanding of MI model and how it is being used is essential in effective learning. While it is essential to give students the choice of the intelligences through which they would pursue their learning, they also need to be encouraged to explore all intelligences Some techniques that could be adopted in implementing MI in the classroom are given below. While the list is not exhaustive, it can act as a beginning for dynamic teaching.
| Children who are Strongly | Think | Like | Need | |
| Linguistic | In Words | Reading, Writing, Telling stories, playing word games, etc. | Books, Tapes, Writing Tools, Diaries, Journals, Dialogues, Discussion, Debate, Stories, etc. | READ MORE |
| Logical / Mathematical | By Reasoning | Experimenting, Questioning, Solving Puzzles, Calculating, etc. | Things to explore and think about, Scientific Material, Manipulatives, Trips to The Planetarium and Science Museum | READ MORE |
| Bodily-Kinesthetic | Through Somatic Sensations | Dancing, Running, Jumping, Building, Touching, Gesturing, etc. | Role Play, Drama, Movement, Things to Build, Sports and Physical Games, Tactile Experiences, Hands-on Learning | READ MORE |
| Spatial | In Images and Pictures | Designing, Drawing, Visualizing, Doodling, etc. | Art, LEGO, Videos, Movies, Presentations, Imagination games, Mazes, Visual Puzzles, Illustrated Books, Trips to Art Museums | READ MORE |
| Musical | Via Rhythms and Melodies | Singing, Whistling, Humming, Tapping Feet and Hands, Listening, etc. | Sing-along time, Trips to Concerts, Music Playing at Home and School, Musical Instruments | READ MORE |
| Interpersonal | By bouncing ideas off other people | Leading, organizing, relating, manipulating, mediating, partying, etc | friends, group games, social gatherings, community events, clubs, mentors/apprenticeships | READ MORE |
| Intrapersonal | Deeply Inside Themselves | Setting Goals, Meditating, Dreaming, Being Quiet | Secret Places, Time Alone, Self-Paced, Projects, Choices | READ MORE |
| Naturalist | In Connection with Nature and Animals | Nurturing, Growing Plants, Caring for Pets | Classification of The Plant and Animal Kingdom, Often compare themselves to Nature and Animals, Need a connection to nature and the environment | READ MORE |
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NIOS ACCREDITED CENTRE NO. M19103
DACAL is a school which caters to children with developmental delays, learning difficulties and special needs.
CONTACT US
DACAL - Darul Ansar Centre for Applied Learning
Anjuman-e-Himayath-e-Islam
#16, B.N. Reddy Road, Chennai 600 017.
Phone: 044 4901 4553, 98842 70480
Mon-Fri: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm