Providing drawing opportunites can enhance understanding for visual spatial learners.
The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in the early 1980s by Dr. Howard Gardner who realized that the standard IQ (intelligence quotient) tests, designed to predict academic success in school, measured a limited range of abilities. Traditional classroom activities tend to focus on linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence, only two of the seven intelligences Dr. Gardner first described. Students do better in classrooms where the teachers employ multiple intelligence activities. After teachers are given the opportunity to practice these activities in a professional development workshop, they often are more inclined to implement them with their own students.
Visual- Spatial Activities
Children whose strengths lie in the visual-spatial intelligences understand concepts best when they see pictures and graphic organizers. An activity which relies on this particular strength is to create autobiographies in pictures. Give students paper and crayons and have them depict the important events of their lives represented by simple visuals. When asked to verbally explain the drawings, students will have far more to say than they would otherwise have without having made the drawings.
Kinesthetic Intellience and Musical Intelligence Activities
Kinesthetic learners do best when given the opportunity to move their bodies. Ask students to get out of their seats and march around the room while they spell words, taking one step for each letter. Those with musical abilities find that listening to music makes it easier to concentrate while completing traditional worksheets. Additionally, selecting a song or musical piece to represent the theme of a novel or play being studied will help some students to achieve a deeper understanding of the theme.
Inter-Personal Intelligence Activities
This intelligence can be seen in individuals who are socially skilled. From an early age, children who have this strength socialize easily and seem to enjoy the company of others. As adults, they make good salespersons and politicians. Use collaborative learning techniques to enhance learning for these students. By working in groups, students will have lots of opportunity to talk to each other during classroom activities. When given this opportunity, their understanding of the concepts taught increases.
Intra-Personal Intelligence Activities
Those who are better able to reflect upon their actions, and analyze and articulate their feelings have high intra-personal intelligence. Ask students to answer the following questions: "What did you learn today?"; "What helped you learn?"; "Which activities did you enjoy most?"; "Which activities made you feel uncomfortable?" Ask students to keep a daily learning log where they reflect on their learning at the end of every class. This will help reinforce what they've learned.
