Applying the Theory of Multiple Intelligence in Education: Tips and Strategies

Applying the Theory of Multiple Intelligence in Education: Tips and Strategies

The concept of Multiple Intelligence (MI) theory was first introduced by Dr. Howard Gardner in 1983 in his book “Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.” This theory suggests that individuals have different types of intelligence, each lying along a different spectrum, instead of possessing a single general intelligence. The types of intelligences include linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. In an educational context, understanding this theory can help educators develop a diverse approach to teaching and learning and help students reach their full potential.

Here are a few tips and strategies that can aid educators in applying the Theory of Multiple Intelligence in education:

1. Teach to diverse learners: With MI theory, we can cater to students in accordance with their learning style, aptitude and personality. This could mean providing visual aids like diagrams, charts and colors for visual students; providing a hands-on experience for kinesthetic learners; and providing background music or rhythm for musical learners.

2. Encourage creativity: Engaging in creative activities stimulates the right side of the brain which helps in the development of spatial and artistic intelligence. Encourage students to express themselves artistically or create stories or poems, this will provide an opportunity to enhance their linguistic intelligence.

3. Collaboration: Project-based work or group assignments encourage interpersonal intelligence. Students work together to achieve a common goal, helping them develop communication and social skills. Encouraging students to collaborate helps them work as a team while accommodating different strengths and weaknesses.

4. Provide decision-making opportunities: Even small decisions like choosing a topic for an assignment or deciding on the presentation format, encourage interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence. This leads to self-reflection and goal-setting, strengthening skills in these specific areas.

5. Nourish Natural Learning: Engage students with material in a way that situates it in terms of natural learning or natural systems. This helps to establish a connection between content and the observable world leading to enhanced appreciation for the world around them.

In conclusion, applying the Theory of Multiple Intelligence can provide a framework to cater to students with different learning styles, strengths and weaknesses. By creating a learning environment that embraces this theory, educators can help each student reach their full potential.