Teaching methodology must change and adapt to the students you have enrolled in your classes. You can only adapt instructional delivery if you understand multiple intelligences. I find myself pre-testing the class in a couple various ways to identify the majority of learning styles in my classes. Once I have a decent grasp on the layout of my student population for that quarter, I can better make adaptations.
Eric,
Yes, it will. What are some strategies you use to help your students acquire the course content?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It will allow you to provide every student with an opportunity to learn.
By understanding the differences in each of the multiple intelligences I can better understand the needs and learning abilities of my students. Students learn in differnet ways and each have preferred methods of comprehension and processing of information and materials. Understanding this, I can offer a variety of ways to present material to my students. Focusing on the different intelligences, I can offer reading, problem-solving, group projects, music, and role playing to engage a wide variety of students. By using this method of a variety of different approaches to instruction, I will be able to focus on the strenghts of my students and, hopefully, provide them with an effective learning experience.
Paul,
I think you will like the learning results you get from this effort. In addition, your students are going to appreciate how you are working to identify their learning preferences and then provide instruction within those preference areas.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Every adult student I teach, I work quickly to figure out how the learn best. From here I make sure that when I work with them, I focus at there level. I work with small groups so I do not think my technique would work with large groups like 25 students. To many to personally manage; however grouping the learning styles together I am going to employ and give it a try and see if I can adapt my material to this methodology.
My understanding of multiple intelligences affects my teaching methodology by explaining differences seen within students, develop a range of teaching strategies, and help them with their learning.
By knowing the learning preferences of the students, an instructor will be able to target the different delivery methods one may use to engage students more effectively.
The four categories of learning preferences are
1. Auditory
2. Written
3. Visual
4. Kinesthetic
I face this problem often and some times when a fellow student can help tutor.
Understanding multiple intelligences allows the instructor to adapt their approach to the students in a way that keeps the rhythm in the classroom and the attention level acceptable.
An instructor really has to be many people in classroom no matter what kind of intelligence you may be. The biggest reward is over a period of time, I have learned how to teach everyone in the class and I have learned to understand all walks of life.
Angela,
Good way to find balance for your students as well as helping them to work within their preference areas. This type of interaction and application I know increases the content retention for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Understanding the importance of finding the common ground between all learners within my classroom is a very helpful concept that will assist me with creating a powerful delivery that will benefit all students. Also, I will be able to ascertain the number of students that fit into the dominant intelligence profiles and balance my delivery by providing more or less lecturing, discussion, visuals or even peer-to-peer interaction.
I currently use MI in my teaching methods. I usually spend a week going over the material that will be on an exam. which gives me a day to lecture (auditory), and day to do board work (visual), and a day to apply what we've gone over (tactile), then the remaining days are used for workbooks and revisiting any areas that needed to be hit again. I like to group students with people who are different (so that they have to take the time to actually explain it to someone who learns differently) as well as with like minded individuals.
If you try to use different teaching styles in all lectures ( powerpoint, hands on and maybe group activites) it helps to cover all learning styles. Student feedback is very helpful as well.
Michael,
You are right about there now being nine types. Dr. Howard Gardner and his staff expanded the categories as a result of their research. In my research where I developed and assessment called "Talent Key" where the three dominant intelligences are identified for learners. I and my research team are currently working on assessment questions that will incorporate the other two intelligence areas. Will take a about 18 more months before we have it validated. I am big fan of sharing with my students the saying "it isn't how smart you are but how you are smart". I think this reflects what students are saying when they raise the issue of book smarts. They need to see how they are smart in their own right and how they can make application of the intelligences they are strong in.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Interesting that this topic should come up. A few years ago, I had stumbled across a similar theory, but it proposed nine types of intelligence instead of seven. I took the liberty of reproducing this information as a handout to students; the majority of students responded positively to the information, particularly when I pointed out that, while some students are often sad and/or resentful of those who possess "book smarts," there are alternative intelligences that they may well possess. I also remind them that any of the intelligences can be learned, practiced, and applied. This information has proven to be a useful ego-booster, you might say.
Understanding of multiple intelligences affects my teaching methodology most specifically in designing delivery methods for a specific group. Knowing which intelligences dominant helps me to be more refined in those methods. Seeing what motivates and engages my students wins! I will refine my methods accordingly to optimize success for my students as a group and individually.
Juanito,
This is what customized student centered teaching is about. I wish you much success as your share your knowledge and expertise with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Understanding that my class have multiple intelligences will allow me to implement a good strategy to adapt to this type of situation where I have to be appealing and interesting to all the students in my class with different types and levels of intelligences not to mention variety of personalities. My level of teaching must cater to everyone while maintaining the quality of instructions.
Brady,
Right you are. Different courses lend themselves to different approaches and we instructors need to be adaptive in our approach so we can make sure to use the appropriate delivery for the topic being covered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
