What are the procedures in the multiple intelligence approach or MI approach in teaching?

Question

i am taking up a degree in education, i need this for school. it's a teaching method... just don't know what are the steps to do this method/approach in teaching.

Answer 1

You have to be careful with this.

The theory is an explanation of how we think. Gardner did not write this as an application, the education community latched on to it.

Gardner himself had issues with creating curriculum linked to the theory - as well as issues with implementation.

there are plenty of other books that give you educators takes on implementation if you wish. Armstrong wrote a book that many educators look to - but I have issues with it - really....spelling things with leaves and twigs...

The way I see it - forcing kids to do things because some might have a naturalist outlook is backwards. Opportunity and choice allows for kids to use their strengths. forcing kids to do things might get them uninterested in the business of schooling.

I think Gardners key claim is that kids minds are different. *This* is why educators gravitate towards his idea. most teachers I know respect this and set up their classroom to honor it.  

Answer 2

First this is how I do it.  You need to be able to identify what the students intelligences are.  There are several surveys online that you could adminstor to your students.  Based off of the results I do a couple of things.  I notice if a class has a high percentage or music, art, nature.  If that is the case then I will try and create lessons that tap into that.  The other way to address MI is to differentiate your lessons.  That means that they aren't all doing the same thing at the same time, but they are all getting the major concept that you want them to learn.

The article that follows was found online but it is over 10 years old.  MI is an older theory, Gardner has been questioned and others feel there is more than 8 intelligences.

IMPLEMENTING GARDNER'S THEORY IN THE CLASSROOM

When asked how educators should implement the theory of multiple intelligences, Gardner says, "(I)t's very important that a teacher take individual differences among kids very seriously … The bottom line is a deep interest in children and how their minds are different from one another, and in helping them use their minds well."

An awareness of multiple-intelligence theory has stimulated teachers to find more ways of helping all students in their classes. Some schools do this by adapting curriculum. In "Variations on a Theme: How Teachers Interpret MI Theory," (Educational Leadership, September 1997), Linda Campbell describes five approaches to curriculum change:

Lesson design. Some schools focus on lesson design. This might involve team teaching ("teachers focusing on their own intelligence strengths"), using all or several of the intelligences in their lessons, or asking student opinions about the best way to teach and learn certain topics.

Interdisciplinary units. Secondary schools often include interdisciplinary units.

Student projects. Students can learn to "initiate and manage complex projects" when they are creating student projects.

Assessments. Assessments are devised which allow students to show what they have learned. Sometimes this takes the form of allowing each student to devise the way he or she will be assessed, while meeting the teacher's criteria for quality.

Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships can allow students to "gain mastery of a valued skill gradually, with effort and discipline over time." Gardner feels that apprenticeships "…should take up about one-third of a student's schooling experience."

With an understanding of Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, teachers, school administrators, and parents can better understand the learners in their midst. They can allow students to safely explore and learn in many ways, and they can help students direct their own learning. Adults can help students understand and appreciate their strengths, and identify real-world activities that will stimulate more learning.

Answer 3

I actually just earned my Masters of Education in Classroom Teaching with emphasis in the Multiple Intelligences and Fine Arts.

Gardner's 8 intelligences are:

Math/Logistics- number smarts

Linguistic/Word smarts

Visual Arts- picture smarts

Bodily-Kinesthetic/hands-on smarts

Interpersonal-people smarts

Intrapersonal-self smarts

Natural- nature smarts

Musical- music smarts

I teach my students about the 8 intelligence, I made a poster with kid friendly pictures and words, I have a little survey for kids that asks questions about what they like to do.  They add it up and it tells them what their "smarts" are.  

Then, when I do lessons, I give lots of choices or do centers/rotations where they can experience the different activities that involve various intelligences.  I try to incorporate as much of "the arts" and intelligences as possible in the way I teach and the way they learn or do projects.  

I hope this helps.  You can always do a search for multiple intelligence lessons.