STRATEGIES TEACHERS MUST AVOID WHEN USING THE MULTILE INTELLIGENCE THEORY

ROSALIA G. MAMOLO

During the year 1983, the American Psychologist Howard Gardner introduced his multiple intelligences theory. From there on came a transition from the traditional to a new way of facilitating learning. Before that, it was believed that all learners have what they call as general intelligence which covers the ability of the child to learn and solve problems across a wide range of disciplines. However, several studies have shown that although most learners excel at many subjects, some learners seem to be left behind. This is when Gardner found that general intelligence is too limiting, there he came out with the theory that classifies learners into different intelligences or commonly known as multiple intelligence.

Through the years, several studies have been done from the field of neuroscience. One of the studies trashed old ideas that when a person is reading, a distinct area of the brain is working. They have discovered in their studies that the process of language involves all parts if the brain because it is considered as a cognitive function for humans. Although it had been hard at first to introduce the concept of multiple intelligence, through the years, educators started applying the concept carefully revolutionizing the educative process.

Although teachers of today have already been using the multiple intelligence theory, there are some cases when the multiple intelligence theory is being misused. The following are the instances that a teacher must avoid when using the multiple intelligence theory:

1. Never classify a learner in one type of intelligence

If a teacher classifies the learner in one type of intelligence, the learner is deprived with the opportunity to learn better or reach higher levels of learning. The teacher must always allow the students to explore and think of other ways for them to learn .

2. Consider the learning style of the learners when preparing the l esson

Many studies have proven that students’learning is enhanced when the preference of the learners as to how the learning materials will be presented to them is considered. There is no single best way to learn. And if the teacher still believes this, the teacher may be preventing learners in finding their best strategy to decode ideas and situation. When a learner has a thorough understanding of a topic, the learner will be able to think of several ways on how to better understand and remember it. The teacher must present the concept at first and then allow learners to reinforce what they learn through giving them several avenues as to how to present what they understand about the lesson.

3. Remember that multiple intelligences and learning styles are two different concepts

Often times multiple intelligences and learning styles are interchangeably understood by educators. Learners read and process information with their eyes, but reading and processing require different types of intelligence. Allow learners to use whatever senses they want in order to decode ideas. It doesn’t matter what sense they will be using to pick up information, what is important is that the brain is able to process the information.

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The author is Teacher III at Sampaloc Elementary School, Samploc, Apalit, Pampanga