Language Barriers

Using the Multiple Intelligence Theory and Instructional

Technology to Break the Barriers

By Carrie Pilant

The Problem

English Language Learner (ELL) students present challenges in the classroom. Their differences can be extreme and if the focus lies on those differences, teaching that individual can become a difficult task.

So, what if educators focus on similarities rather than differences?

A Solution

Educators could choose to group English Language Learners with students who have similar learning styles.

Learning Styles

Howard Gardner published a book, Frames of Mind in the early 1980s. Gardner theorized there are nine basic multiple intelligences (learning styles) that learners possess.

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence1. Bodily / Kinesthetic - interaction with the

environment2. Existential - connecting to larger understandings3. Interpersonal - interaction with others4. Intrapersonal - feelings, values and attitudes5. Logical / Mathematical - problem solving6. Musical / Rhythmic - sound and patterning7. Naturalist - attributes, categories and

hierarchies8. Verbal / Linguistic – language9. Visual / Spatial - seeing and imagining

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence

Many educators and/or teachers already apply Gardner’s MI theory into their classrooms.

However, what if there was a way to apply the MI theory using technology?

Technology

Technology is a strong motivator for most students because the current generation is growing up in what is known as the “Digital Age”.

Walter McKenzie’s Multiple Intelligences and Instructional Technology (2002) provides educators with guidelines for using technology based on the MI theory.

Walter McKenzie

McKenzie correlates intelligences with technology tools.

In the next nine slides, technologies are listed that preeminently connect with each Multiple Intelligence.

Technology and MI Theory Bodily /

Kinesthetic– Construction

tools– Kitchen utensils– P.E. equipment– Manipulative

materials– Mouse– Assistive

technologies

Technology and MI Theory

Existential– Planetarium– Stage drama– Classic literature– Virtual field trips– Simulations– Symbol of world

religions

Technology and MI Theory

Interpersonal– Class

discussion– Post-it notes– Greeting cards– Telephone– Intercom– Instant

messenger

Technology and MI Theory

Intrapersonal– Journals– Diaries– Learning centers– Class debate– Digital portfolios

with self-assessment

Technology and MI Theory

Mathematical / Logical– Calculator– Lecture– Ruler / yardstick– Spreadsheet– Measuring

cups/scales– Problem-solving

tasks

Technology and MI Theory Musical /

Rhythmical– Pattern blocks– Puzzles– Tape player /

recorder– Speakers– CD-ROM disks– CD-ROM

players

Technology and MI Theory

Naturalist– Magnifying

glass– Microscope– Scrapbook– Sandwich bag– Semantic

mapping tools– Floppy drive

Technology and MI Theory

Verbal / Linguistic– Textbook– Pencil– Worksheet– Magazine– Word

processing– Keyboard– E-mail

Technology and MI Theory

Visual / Spatial– Television– Picture books– Charting and

graphing– Digital camera– HTML editor– Slideshows

Technology

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) addresses all of Gardner’s intelligences (through the six National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Students).

TechnologyThe Six Standards are (click to see the Standard

correlated to MI theory):1. Basic Operations and Concepts2. Social, Ethical, and Human Issues3. Technology Productivity Tools4. Technology Communications Tool

s5. Technology Research Tools6. Technology Problem-Solving and

Decision-Making ToolsNext Slide

Kinesthetic Naturalist

Logical/Mathematical

Basic Operations

And Concepts

Standard I

Back to Standards

Existential

Intrapersonal

Social,Ethical, and

Human Issues

Standard II

Back to Standards

Kinesthetic

Interpersonal

Visual

Verbal

TechnologyProductivity

Tools

Standard III

Back to Standards

Intrapersonal

Interpersonal

Naturalist

Logical

Musical

Verbal

TechnologyCommunications

Tools

Standard IV

Back to Standards

Intrapersonal

Naturalist

TechnologyResearch

Tools

Standard V

Back to Standards

Existential Intrapersonal

Logical/Mathematical

TechnologyProblem-Solving

andDecision-Making

Tools

Standard VI

Back to Standards

ISTE

Teachers who integrate technology in their instructional planning could find the ISTE NETS to be a useful guideline.

A copy of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Students and Multiple Intelligences that relate to that standard in Adobe Acrobat Reader (McKenzie, 2002).

Learning Styles

Regardless of language barriers, most students prefer a specific learning style. Technology can be integrated once the learning style is established.

How is a multiple intelligence (learning style) determined?

Determining MI There are many ways to determine

which of Gardner’s MI you prefer. Below are a few user friendly websites with immediate results:– http://surfaquarium.com/MI/inventory.htm– http://www.ldpride.net– http://snow.utoronto.ca/courses/mitest.ht

ml

A good rule of thumb is to use multiple resources and testing to ensure accuracy of the results.

Accuracy To double-check accuracy of the

intelligence preference, it is important to acquire a test in the child’s native language.

There are websites available for free translations to assist in preparing the student to take a screening test. The translation tools are not always precise and it would be wise to check for correctness.

ELL Website Support

The following websites offer free translations.

http://www.freetranslation.com

http://babelfish.altavista.com

http://translation2.paralink.com/

Resource Links

Howard Gardner’s website http://www.howardgardner.com/

Havard College’s webpage on Howard Gardner http://www.pz.harvard.edu/PIs/HG.htm

Walter McKenzie’s website http://surfaquarium.com/MI/index.htm

Resource Links

Support For Learning’s webpage on learning styles http://www.support4learning.org.uk/education/learning_styles.cfm

Eduscapes’ webpage on Technology and Multiple Intelligences http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic68.htm

ReferencesGardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind:

The theory of multiple intelligences. New york: BasicBooks.

McKenzie, W. (2002). Multiple intelligences and instructional technology: A manual for every mind. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.