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Traditionally intelligence
was seen as maths and language based, however, recent research shows that
people have different strengths or intelligences and learn best in different
ways.
In 1983, American pyschologist Howard Gardner formulated the theory of
multiple intelligences. Gardner's
work alerted educators to the different ways people process information and
the importance of designing learning events to cater for these differences.
Initially Gardner
theorised that there were seven intelligences but in recent years more have
been added:
- Verbal Linguistic -
the ability to use words and language
- Logical Mathematical -
highly developed ability to use reason, logic and numbers
- Bodily Kinesthic - capacity to control body movement and
handle physical objects
- Visual Spatial -
strong visual capacity to think in pictures and create pictures in their
mind
- Musical Rhythmical -
heightened ability to appreciate and produce music and sound
- Interpersonal -
advanced ability to relate to and understand other people
- Intrapersonal -
exhibit a strong sense of self and ability to understand and share their
inner thoughts and feelings
- Naturalist -
recognition, appreciation and understanding of the natural world around
us
Reference:
Howard Gardner, muliple intelligences and education
(http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm)
Multiple
Intelligences at Larapinta:
Since opening,
Larapinta School has incorporated multiple intelligence theory into
programming and teaching. Over the years multiple intelligence theory has
been used in a variety of ways including;
- Whole School MI
afternoon - one afternoon a week for a term students from Transition to
Year 6 worked in their preferred intelligence group on a topic.
- MI Electives - in 2004
students in Years 2, 3 and 4 were grouped according to their preferred
intelligence to work on a topic. In Term 1 students undertook a range of
food related activities and in Term 2 MI activities were based around
the school's Mini
Desert Park.
- MI Learning Centres -
classes throughout the school experience activities based on the
intelligences. In this way young students get to experience a range of
activities and older students get to develop strengths and weakness.
- 8 Ways to be Smart - Year
2 Lake spent Term 1 2005 exploring what it meant to be 'smart'. Each
week they studied an intelligence by working
using specific 'smarts', excursions and guest speakers sharing their
experiences.
NTCF
Outcomes Links:
- EsseNTial Learnings:
In 1, In 2, In 5, In 6, Cr 1, Cr 2, Cr 3, Con 2
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