Dec
8
Written by:
Different Voice
12/8/2008 7:00 AM
What topics would be covered in an ideal teacher training session or series? The answer to this question could be lengthy! One topic that would make my list is an overview of multiple intelligence theory – a valuable addition to any teacher training.
In 1983, Howard Gardner described seven intelligences in his book Frames Of Mind: The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences
. There are currently nine intelligences that have been defined and described.
Regardless of the number, the essence of multiple intelligence theory is that there are different ways of thinking and learning about the world. We don’t all learn in the same way (knowledge that most parents and educators had before multiple intelligence theory existed.) Everyone has a mix of all nine intelligences, but in a unique combination. Most people have two or three preferred intelligences, ways that they learn best.
The important “nugget” of this theory to convey to teachers is encouragement to provide a variety of activities in order to meet the needs of students with different learning styles. In his book, Teaching Today's Teachers to Teach
Teaching Today’s Teachers to Teach, Donald L. Griggs provides a reproducible overview of Eight Ways of Learning. (The book was published prior to the description of existential intelligence.) A reminder to be deliberate in providing a variety of learning experiences can make all of us more effective as we teach children, youth and adults.
~Sally Hoelscher