Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

After taking the Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Quiz, I scored extremely high, showing my strengths in Musical, Kinesthetic, and Intrapersonal Intelligences. As I reviewed what each of these strengths included, I saw that they truly did ring true to my actual learning style. The website described being a musical learner as someone who has a heightened listening ability, and someone who often thinks musically rather than verbally. I find this relevant to my learning as I think about my ability to hear sounds that others may not. This becomes a problem sometimes as I will concentrate on background noise during class, which often distracts me. Also, when studying for an exam, I will often think of how to formulate information into a musical song or pattern, rather than simply memorizing facts. This is relevant as the website states musical learners enjoy moving to rhythms. As a strong Kinesthetic learner, the website described these learners as those who enjoy hands-on tasks, and who strive to learn by doing. I find this very relevant as I consider myself as a learner in the classroom. I have trouble sitting for extended periods of time simply taking notes or listening to a lecture. I would much rather being fully engaged while actively moving or involving myself in a hands-on activity. I also remember the material presented better when I am able to act or move about. Also, while remembering information for tests, I will make up hand motions or symbols with my body to help me study. I also have found that I thoroughly enjoy sign language, and I can remember information easier if I can remember the sign for it. As an Intrapersonal learner, I am someone who is able to monitor my thoughts, actions, and behaviors, and I am also very aware of my thought process. Intrapersonal learners are comfortable with themselves, show confidence in their abilities, set realistic goals, make appropriate choices, and have a good sense of their own strengths and weaknesses. I feel as if out of all the multiple intelligences, I am strongest as an Intrapersonal learner. The website described many things that were extremely relevant to my learning and thought process.

Students who are Musical learners enjoy drawing visual patterns, learning to read music, and working with pattern blocks. Students who are Kinesthetic learners enjoy continuous movement throughout the school day, engaging in hands-on science experiments, and involving in interactive games while reviewing content. Students who are Intrapersonal learners enjoy having set goals for themselves, allowing opportunities for expressing their feelings about a topic, and providing activities which offers learner choices.

I can support all these different kinds of learners by using a variety of instruction, activities, and technologies that adhere to the variety of learning styles in the classroom. For students who are Musical learners, it may be helpful to include digital sounds, pattern blocks, and puzzles in my lesson plans. For the Kinesthetic learner, it may be helpful to include construction tools, wheel and axle, and manipulative tools in my lessons. Lastly, for the Intrapersonal learners, it may be helpful to include diaries, journals, and online surveys in my lessons.

Knowing about my student’s multiple intelligences is very important as I begin thinking about how I am going to construct my lesson plans to accommodate all of the various learners in my classroom. Realizing that it is necessary to include many different types of activities and learning strategies, in order to help all of my students reach the learning objectives. If I understand my student’s strengths and weaknesses according to their multiple intelligences, I can better understand how to accommodate their preference of learning styles in the classroom.

Day One

I am really excited to learn all of the interesting technology in this class. I think it will be extremely beneficial to me as a future teacher. I hope that I am able to learn a lot, and continue to utilize technology in my future classroom daily.