Contemporary topic 2 Third Edition : Unit 5 How we each learn best

Summary

The video script delves into Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, challenging the traditional IQ test's measure of intelligence. It outlines nine distinct intelligences, from verbal and mathematical to naturalistic and intrapersonal, emphasizing that everyone possesses these in varying strengths. The script also discusses the impact of this theory on education, suggesting that teachers should employ diverse teaching methods and offer various assessment options to cater to different intelligences, as exemplified by Mrs. Sanchez's multifaceted approach to teaching about trees.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The theory of multiple intelligences suggests that intelligence is not a single entity but rather a range of different abilities.
• 📚 Dr. Howard Gardner from Harvard University proposed that individuals possess various types of intelligences, each varying in strength.
• 🗣️ Verbal intelligence is the ability to communicate effectively through speaking and writing, which is highly valued in educational settings.
• 🔢 Mathematical intelligence involves the capacity to work with numbers and diagrams, using logic to solve problems.
• 🎵 Musical intelligence is characterized by a strong connection to and understanding of sound and music.
• 🎨 Artistic intelligence refers to sensitivity to color, light, and shapes, and the ability to create visually appealing artwork.
• 🗺️ Spatial intelligence is the ability to create mental images and remember information, often associated with understanding charts and maps.
• 🏃‍♂️ Kinesthetic intelligence is linked to physical movement and learning through doing.
• 🤝 Interpersonal intelligence is the skill of working well with others in social situations.
• 🤔 Intrapersonal intelligence involves self-awareness and understanding one's own emotions and needs.
• 🌳 Naturalist intelligence is the understanding of one's connection with nature and the environment.
• 👩‍🏫 The theory impacts teaching by encouraging the use of diverse teaching techniques to cater to different intelligences.
• 📝 Assessment in the classroom should offer alternatives to traditional written tests, allowing students to demonstrate understanding in various ways.
• 🤔 The script raises questions about the validity of standardized tests and their potential bias against students with non-verbal and non-mathematical intelligences.

Q & A

What is the theory of multiple intelligences?

The theory of multiple intelligences, proposed by Dr. Howard Gardner, suggests that there are multiple types of intelligences, each person possesses all of them, but to varying degrees. It challenges the traditional view of intelligence as a single, quantifiable trait.

How does the theory of multiple intelligences redefine the concept of intelligence?

The theory redefines intelligence as a broader range of abilities, including but not limited to verbal, mathematical, musical, artistic, spatial, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist intelligences, rather than just a numerical score on an IQ test.

What are the nine types of intelligences identified in the theory?

The nine types of intelligences are verbal, mathematical, musical, artistic, spatial, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist intelligences.

Why might traditional IQ tests not accurately measure intelligence according to the theory of multiple intelligences?

Traditional IQ tests may not accurately measure intelligence because they primarily focus on verbal and mathematical abilities, ignoring other types of intelligences. Factors such as cultural background, education, and test-taking skills can also affect the results.

How does the theory of multiple intelligences impact teaching methods in the classroom?

The theory influences teaching methods by encouraging the use of diverse teaching techniques to cater to different intelligences, ensuring that all students can learn effectively.

What is the significance of using multiple teaching techniques in the classroom?

Using multiple teaching techniques helps to reach a wider range of students by accommodating their different learning styles and intelligences, thus enhancing their understanding and engagement with the material.

How can teachers assess students' understanding when applying the theory of multiple intelligences?

Teachers can assess students' understanding by offering a variety of assessment options, such as written assignments, drawings, charts, or songs, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge in ways that align with their strengths.

What is an example of how a teacher might teach about trees using the theory of multiple intelligences?

A teacher might discuss types of trees, draw diagrams, take students outside to observe and touch trees, and have them draw pictures and learn a song about trees, engaging various intelligences such as verbal, spatial, kinesthetic, and musical.

How does the theory of multiple intelligences relate to the issue of standardized testing?

The theory raises questions about the fairness of standardized tests, as they may disadvantage students with strengths in intelligences other than verbal and mathematical, which are often the focus of such tests.

What is the potential impact of the theory of multiple intelligences on the educational system?

The theory can lead to a more inclusive educational system that values and nurtures a range of abilities, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach and towards personalized learning.

How can the theory of multiple intelligences help students understand their own strengths and weaknesses?

By recognizing the various types of intelligences, students can identify their own areas of strength and work on developing those, while also understanding that everyone has unique abilities and learning styles.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Introduction to Multiple Intelligences Theory

This paragraph introduces the theory of multiple intelligences, a concept that challenges the traditional view of intelligence as measured by IQ tests. The speaker explains that intelligence is multifaceted and includes various strengths such as verbal, mathematical, musical, artistic, spatial, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and natural. The theory, proposed by Dr. Howard Gardner, suggests that individuals have all these intelligences but differ in which are more dominant. The paragraph sets the stage for a discussion on how this theory affects educational practices in the classroom.

05:02

📚 Applying Multiple Intelligences in Teaching

The second paragraph delves into the practical application of the multiple intelligences theory in education. It describes how teachers can use diverse teaching methods to engage students with different intelligence strengths. The example of Mrs. Sanchez is provided to illustrate this approach, where she uses discussion, outdoor exploration, drawing, and music to teach about trees, thereby catering to various intelligences. The paragraph also touches on the implications for assessment, suggesting that alternative methods to traditional written tests, such as drawing, making charts, or creating songs, can be valid ways for students to demonstrate their understanding. This reflects the idea that standardized tests may not be fair to students whose strengths do not align with verbal and mathematical intelligences.

Keywords

💡Multiple Intelligences

Multiple Intelligences is a theory proposed by Howard Gardner which suggests that there are various types of intelligences within each individual, rather than a single, general intelligence. In the context of the video, this theory has significant implications for education, as it encourages the recognition and development of diverse strengths in students. The script discusses nine different intelligences, emphasizing that understanding these can help educators tailor their teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles.

💡Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a measure of a person's cognitive abilities relative to their age group, often used as a gauge of intelligence. The video script challenges the traditional reliance on IQ tests by suggesting that they may not accurately capture the full range of a person's intellectual capabilities due to factors such as cultural background and test-taking ability. The script contrasts the narrow view of IQ with the broader perspective offered by the theory of multiple intelligences.

💡Verbal Intelligence

Verbal Intelligence refers to the ability to effectively use language for communication, both in speaking and writing. In the script, it is one of the nine intelligences identified by the theory of multiple intelligences. It is highlighted as being particularly valued in traditional educational settings and on written tests, which often focus on this type of intelligence.

💡Mathematical Intelligence

Mathematical Intelligence is the capacity to work well with numbers and diagrams, often involving logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The script mentions it as the second type of intelligence identified by the theory, suggesting that individuals with strong mathematical intelligence are adept at tasks that require numerical and spatial understanding.

💡Musical Intelligence

Musical Intelligence is the ability to perceive, create, and appreciate music. It involves a sensitivity to sound and rhythm. In the video script, it is one of the nine intelligences and is described as a distinct strength that some individuals possess, allowing them to connect with the sounds around them in a profound way.

💡Artistic Intelligence

Artistic Intelligence pertains to sensitivity to and proficiency in various forms of art, such as drawing, painting, and fashion design. The script describes it as one of the nine intelligences, emphasizing the creative aspect of this type of intelligence and its importance in appreciating and producing aesthetic experiences.

💡Spatial Intelligence

Spatial Intelligence is the ability to create mental images and to remember and manipulate information in one's mind. It is associated with understanding charts, maps, and having a good sense of direction. The script presents it as one of the nine intelligences, illustrating its relevance for tasks that require visual and spatial reasoning.

💡Kinesthetic Intelligence

Kinesthetic Intelligence, also known as bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, is the ability to learn and remember information through physical movement and doing. The script describes it as one of the nine intelligences and relates it to the way some people learn best by engaging their bodies in the learning process.

💡Interpersonal Intelligence

Interpersonal Intelligence is the capacity to understand and manage social relationships. It involves being aware of others' emotions and motivations and working effectively in social situations. The script identifies it as one of the nine intelligences and explains its importance in navigating group dynamics and collaborative environments.

💡Intrapersonal Intelligence

Intrapersonal Intelligence refers to an individual's ability to understand and be aware of their own emotions, motivations, and needs. The script presents it as one of the nine intelligences and uses the example of a person who prefers solitude to illustrate how intrapersonal intelligence can inform personal preferences and behaviors.

💡Naturalist Intelligence

Naturalist Intelligence is the understanding of one's connection with nature and the environment. It involves recognizing patterns in the natural world and being able to classify and categorize different aspects of the environment. The script identifies it as one of the nine intelligences and suggests that it is an important aspect of understanding and interacting with the natural world.

💡Teaching Techniques

Teaching Techniques in the context of the video refer to the various methods educators use to facilitate learning. The script suggests that embracing the theory of multiple intelligences leads to the use of diverse teaching techniques to reach students with different strengths. It emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching methods to cater to the unique intelligences of each student.

💡Assessment Methods

Assessment Methods are the ways in which educators evaluate student learning. The script discusses how the theory of multiple intelligences influences assessment by advocating for alternatives to traditional written tests. It provides an example of a teacher offering students various options to demonstrate their understanding, such as writing, drawing, or creating a song, which aligns with the diverse intelligences of the students.

💡Standardized Tests

Standardized Tests are examinations that are administered and scored in a consistent manner to all test-takers. The script raises concerns about whether these tests may be biased against students who do not have strong verbal or mathematical intelligences, as they may not fully capture the range of intelligences described by the theory. It suggests that considering multiple intelligences can lead to a more inclusive approach to assessment.

Highlights

The theory of multiple intelligences has had a big impact on education and the classroom.

Multiple intelligences are different strengths or abilities, not just traditional IQ.

IQ tests may not accurately measure intelligence due to cultural, educational, and test-taking factors.

Dr. Howard Gardner explored the idea of multiple types of intelligences that make each person unique.

There are nine identified types of intelligences that everyone possesses in varying degrees.

Verbal intelligence involves strong speaking and writing abilities, valued in schools and on tests.

Mathematical intelligence is the ability to work well with numbers and diagrams, using logic to solve problems.

Musical intelligence connects with sounds and music, feeling the rhythm and melody.

Artistic intelligence is sensitivity to color, light, and shapes, with skills in drawing, painting, and fashion.

Spatial intelligence helps create mental images and remember information through visual understanding.

Kinesthetic or body intelligence is related to movement, learning by doing.

Interpersonal intelligence involves working well with others in social situations.

Intrapersonal intelligence is self-awareness of one's own emotions and needs.

Naturalist intelligence is understanding one's connection with nature and the environment.

The theory impacts teaching by encouraging a variety of teaching techniques to reach different types of learners.

Teachers should offer multiple assessment options to accommodate different intelligences, beyond just written tests.

Mrs. Sanchez's example demonstrates using various intelligences when teaching about trees, including verbal, visual, and kinesthetic.

Assessing students through diverse methods like writing, drawing, or creating songs can better evaluate their understanding.

The theory raises questions about standardized tests potentially discriminating against students with non-verbal and non-mathematical intelligences.

Transcripts

today I'm going to talk about one theory

in education that has had a big impact

on the classroom it's the theory of

multiple intelligences multiple means

many intelligence is difficult to define

during today's classes we discussed the

theory of multiple intelligences I'm

going to use the term intelligence to

mean strength a strong ability this is a

broader way of thinking about

intelligence than usual so first I'm

going to go over the theory then I plan

to present how the theory has affected

what some teachers now do in the

classroom before I do that I want to say

a few words about how intelligence is

often determined as we all know written

IQ tests are still the main tool used to

measure intelligence IQ by the way

stands for intelligence quotient

quotient means number a high school on

an IQ test say 130 is interpreted to

mean a person is very intelligent a

score of a hundred is average however

many factors can affect someone's school

including cultural background education

or even the fact that they aren't good

at taking tests for these reasons some

people say traditional IQ tests don't

accurately measure intelligence another

reason to question IQ test is the theory

of multiple intelligences Harvard

University's dr. Howard Gardner and

others have explored the notion that we

each have many types of intelligence

what makes us different from one another

is which intelligences are stronger now

I'm going to present nine intelligences

they have identified keep in mind that

they say we each have all of these

intelligences the first is verbal

intelligence people with strong verbal

intelligence can speak and write well

this type of intelligence is valued in

most schools and on written test the

second is mathematical intelligence the

ability to work well with numbers and

diagrams think of someone who uses logic

to solve problems and make decisions

the third is musical intelligence people

with strong musical intelligence they

feel sound they feel music they connect

the sounds around them are you with me

so far okay the fourth is artistic

intelligence people with strong artistic

intelligence are sensitive to color

light and shapes they are good at

drawing painting fashion lots of

creative things the fifth kind of

intelligence is spatial we use spatial

intelligence to create mental images to

remember information think of someone

who understands charts and maps easily

who has a good sense of direction and

doesn't get lost on mountain hikes the

sixth is kinesthetic or body

intelligence it's related to moving to

learning and remembering information by

doing the seventh is interpersonal

intelligence that's inter means between

people it's knowing how to work well

with others in social situations like

work or school the eighth is

interpersonal intelligence intra means

within oneself

it's about being uniquely aware of our

own emotions and needs for example my

brother John doesn't like crowds he

doesn't go to clubs or to the mall he's

happier alone or in a smaller group the

night kind of intelligence is nature

intelligence understanding one's

connection with nature and the

environment

remember the theory says we each have

all of these intelligences we just vary

as to which intelligences are stronger

think of your friends and what each is

good at so now I want to shift our

discussion to the impact of the theory

of multiple intelligences on teaching it

teaches accept the theory

how does this affect what they do in the

classroom there are two effects one is

on how they teach the other is how they

test their students to teach they need

to use a variety of teaching techniques

in order to reach the most students what

works best for one student might not

work best for another to test or assess

what students understand teachers need

to give students options besides taking

a written test let's use an example as I

give the example I want you to write

down the intelligence as you can

identify okay so a teacher mrs. Sanchez

wants to teach her students about trees

here's what she does

first she talks about types of trees she

also draws a diagram on the board then

they go outside walk around look at and

touch trees near their school back in

the classroom she asked them to draw

pictures of trees finally she teaches

them a song about trees did you get

which intelligences she worked with when

they went outside how about when she had

them draw pictures all right now she

needs to test

assess what the students know she gives

them choices for example they can write

about trees draw a picture make a chart

or create a song anything is acceptable

as long as it contains the tree material

she taught them this is a key point I

realize you might think drawing a

picture or creating a song isn't a real

test but if we have multiple

intelligences what's the logical

conclusion isn't it that students will

benefit from using a variety of ways to

demonstrate what they understood a

written test may not be the best way to

assess every student this brings up the

whole issue of standardized tests and

whether they discriminate against

students who don't have strong verbal

and mathematical intelligences the next

time think about this with regard to

what you've heard today