QUICKIE 18

Multiple Intelligences in the ESL Classroom

From Kenneth Beare

The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. Here is a discussion of the eight different intelligences Dr. Gardner proposes and _______ relationship to the ESL / EFL classroom.

Verbal / Linguistic

Explanation and understanding through the use of words.

This is the most common means of teaching. In the most traditional sense, the teacher teaches and the students learn. However, this can also be turned around and students can help each other understand concepts. While teaching to other types of intelligences is extremely important, this type of teaching focuses on using language and will continue to play the primary role in learning English.

Visual / Spatial

Explanation and comprehension through the use of pictures, graphs, maps, etc.

This type of learning gives students visual clues to help them remember language.

In my opinion, the use of visual, spatial and situational clues is probably the reason learning a language in an English speaking country (Canada, USA, England, etc.) is the most effective way to learn English.

Body / Kinesthetic

Ability to use the body to express ideas, accomplish tasks, create moods, etc.

This type of learning combines physical actions with linguistic responses and are very helpful for tying language to actions. In other words, repeating "I'd like to pay by credit card." in a dialogue is much less effective than having a student act out a role-play in which he pulls out his wallet and says, "I'd like to pay by credit card."

Interpersonal

Ability to get along with others, work with others to accomplish tasks.

Group learning is based on interpersonal skills. Not only do students learn while speaking to others in an "authentic" setting, they develop English speaking skills while reacting to others. Obviously, not all learners have excellent interpersonal skills. For this reason, group work needs to be balanced with other activities.

Logical / Mathematical

Use of logic and mathematical models to represent and work with ideas.

Grammar analysis falls into this type of learning style. Many teachers feel that English teaching syllabi are too loaded towards grammar analysis which has little to do with communicative ability. Nonetheless, using a balanced approach, grammar analysis has its place in the classroom. Unfortunately, because of certain standardized teaching practices, this type of teaching sometimes tends to dominate the classroom.

Musical

Ability to recognize and communicate using melody, rhythm, and harmony.

This type of learning is sometimes underestimated in ESL classrooms. If you keep in mind that English is a very rhythmic language because of its tendency to accent only certain words, you'll recognize that music plays a role in the classroom as well.

Intrapersonal

Learning through self-knowledge leading to understanding of motives, goals, strengths and weaknesses.

This intelligence is essential for long-term English learning. Students who are aware of these types of issues will be able to deal with underlying issues that can improve or hamper English usage.

Environmental

Ability to recognize elements of and learn from the natural world around us.

Similar to visual and spatial skills, Environmental intelligence will help students master English required to interact with their environment.

http://esl.about.com/od/teachingenglish/a/l_multiple.htm

1. The last line of this paragraph was rewritten here:

Here is a discussion of the eight different intelligences Dr. Gardner proposes and _______ relationship to the ESL / EFL classroom.

Note that there is a blank space in it. This blank space could be filled in correctly by:

a) his

b) her

c) its

d) their

e) theirs

2. De acordo com o texto, qual modo de ensinar continuará a ser o mais usado no aprendizado de inglês?

a) Verbal / Linguistic

b) Visual / spacial

c) Body / Kinesthetic

d) Interpersonal

e) NDA

3. O texto

I- Informa que estudos no Canada, Estados Unidos e Inglaterra comprovam que alunos extrangeiros estudando inglês nestes paises terão seu aprendizado mais eficiente

II- “Intrapersonal” é o tipo de inteligência de quem tem a habilidade de conhecer, por exemplo, seus pontos fracos.

III- “Environmental” é o tipo de inteligência dos que se preocupam com o mundo natural.

IV – Inteligência do tipo “Musical” as vezes é subestimada na aula de inglês.

Estão certas:

a) I e IV

b) Apenas a III

c) II e IV

d) III e IV

e) II, III e IV

4. a palavra “nonetheless” linha (xx) poderia ser substituída sem alteração de sentido por:

a) and

b) instead of

c) moreover

d) forward

e) however

5) “Get along” em “Ability to get along with others, work with others to accomplish tasks.” (linha XXX). Poderia ser traduzido como:

a) manter-se distante

b) ter um longo

c) obter algo mais

d) relacionar-se bem

e) so longo de

RESPOSTAS

1- d

A palavra que falta é um pronome do caso possessivo e o mesmo concorda com a palavra “intelligences”.

2- a
No texto a frase : and [verbal linguistic] will continue to play the primary role in learning English

3- c
O autor informa que a razão pela qual estudantes têm mais facilidade de aprender em países de língua inglesa é o fato de terem como inteligência a “visual / spatial”. O que sinceramente é uma grande bobagem, a final, é possível aprender qualquer língua sem TER DE visitar o país de origem desta língua.

4- E

nontheless e however poderiam ser traduzidas como “todavia”.

5- B

sim, agora vai dizer que quer que eu explique isso também?! HAHAHAHA

Ok, nao explico, mas ajudo: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/get+along

that's all, folks!!

Teacher Pyta