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Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

 

I've found Multiple Intelligence theory and practice to be very empowering in the classroom. When students realize that there are many ways to be smart, it helps build their self-esteem and confidence. Over a period of several years, I developed techniques for teaching students about MI theory and helping them to discover their own MI profiles. I decided to create a page of resources for educators with information and links to help them introduce these concepts to their students. I also wrote a 66-page ebook, Teaching Multiple Intelligence Theory: Step-by-Step Lessons for Intermediate Grades, that describes exactly how to teach these concepts to your students in an engaging way. I hope your students enjoy the activities as much as mine did! ~ Laura

Multiple Intelligences book Teaching Multiple Intelligence Theory: Step-by-Step Lessons

This 66-page ebook includes complete lesson plans, a student survey, printables, assessments, and answer keys for teaching a unit on multiple intelligence theory. Designed for grades 4 - 8. Please preview online before purchasing!
Click to preview. $12.95 (eBook only)
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Multiple Intelligence Theory and Education

Dr. Howard Gardner first proposed his Multiple Intelligence Theory over 40 years ago, and it has become widely accepted although still controversial in some fields. His theory in a nutshell is that IQ is not one-dimensional and can't be described by a single number. He proposed that there are at least eight different types of intelligence and each one has a corresponding area in the brain. (See sidebar for list of Multiple Intelligence areas)

Most educators quickly embraced his ideas and began to search for practical applications in the classroom. Teachers have always intuitively known that kids learn in different ways, and Gardner's Multiple Intelligence (MI) Theory supported their own classroom observations and experiences. Traditionally, schools have been designed for students who are mathematical and linguistic, while students who were artistic, musical, or kinesthetic learners were out of luck. Fortunately, educators now recognize that there are many paths to understanding, and students learn best when they are able to engage in activities that involve their strengths.

MI Survey

Multiple Intelligence Survey for Kids - Free Survey

Watch the video below to learn how to download this free Multiple Intelligences for Kids survey. You can use this survey with upper elementary and middle school students to help them figure out their strengths. In the video I explain how to administer the survey and some general guidelines for using it.

 

 

Print Resources for Multiple Intelligences

The Complete MI BookMultiple Intelligences: The Complete MI Book
by Dr. Spencer Kagan ~ 1999

I first became aware of Multiple Intelligence Theory about 12 years ago when attending a teacher workshop held by Dr. Spencer Kagan. Kagan is an authority on cooperative learning. Kagan embraced Gardener's theory because it fit perfectly with his experiences and helped to explain the powerful benefits achieved when students are actively engaged and working together in teams. Kagan wrote this resource for classroom and I highly recommend it. The book includes a full description of each area as well as dozens of cooperative learning activities to enrich the learning experience. It can be ordered from the Kagan website at www.kaganonline.com. Although it was written over 10 years ago, the information is still very relevant and useful.


Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons in Theory and PracticeMultiple Intelligences: New Horizons in Theory and Practice
by Dr. Howard Gardner ~ 2006

This is not Dr. Gardner's’ original MI book, but he has changed his theory in the last 25 years so this is actually a more up-to-date resource. This book provides excellent information on the entire theory and how it has developed over the years. Although it wasn’t written specifically for classroom teachers, it does contain a wealth of useful information for educators.

Online Resources for Multiple Intelligence Theory and Practice

 


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