The benefits to using the multiple intelligences theory would be a varied teaching curriculum that would be able to teach the same subject matter in a variety of ways.  Meaning that students with a wide degree of learning abilities and disabilities would still learn the same material at the same pace.  A Harvard-led study of forty-one schools using this theory concluded that in these schools there was “a culture of hard work, respect and caring; a faculty that collaborated and learned from each other; classrooms that engaged students through constrained but meaningful choices and a sharp focus on enabling students to produce high-quality work.”  This leads me to believe that the atmosphere created by using this theory prompts teachers to be more flexible and open to new ideas.  As opposed to a normal teaching atmosphere where all the answers are expected to be found in a textbook.  While some critics of the multiple intelligences theory state that there is little to no empirical proof and that Gardner has no absolute definition of intelligence.  I believe that those criticisms have no sway over the fact that this theory can add several valuable tools in any teaching curriculum.

In conclusion, the theory of multiple intelligences, in my opinion, is still in its’ infancy.  It is a new and interesting method of providing information but I believe that there is still some refinement to be expected before we can expect public schools at large to adopt the practices it presents.

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Response from NateN:

I agree with your opinion of using multiple intelligence theory to enhance the learning process.  I believe that it would not only benefit the students but also help teachers to think outside of the box.  Presently most courses are taught out of a text book. I believe that the idea of trying to teach in different styles would help to engage the class and help to stimulate students that might normally try to coast through without getting involved.  Also when teachers each have their own text book, that is supposed to contain all the answers, they are less prone to talk among colleagues that do not teach their particular subject.  However, if the curriculum were varied and not so locked in I think that it would also be stimulating to the teachers and promote more discussion among colleagues that normally would not be inclined to exchange information and ideas among each other.

A key idea of effective communication is considering your audience.  This means using communication that never discriminates against or supports negativity towards your listener.  Careful consideration of how your dialogue is phrased can prevent negative outcomes.  The old adage “Always put you in someone else’s shoes” rings true in effective communication.  Always consider your reaction if you were on the opposite end of the communication channel.

However, even with effective communication, there are those co-workers who spread rumors without hesitation.  Learning the communication styles of your co-workers is crucial.  If you encounter a situation of a co-worker spreading rumors, confront the co-worker and explain how you do not approve of rumors being spread in the workplace.  Most people who spread rumors do so as a way to receive attention from others.  Letting your co-worker know that you do not approve will show your co-worker that spreading rumors is a bad thing and not a good attribute to have.  Try to keep a journal of any conversations with the co-worker as a record in case you are approached by your boss concerning the issue.

The key to prevention of any potential negative rumors from being spread is always maintain a positive viewpoint.  Negativity is contagious as it can cause those around us to fall prey.  Never talk badly about your job, tasks, co-workers, or boss.  Those seeking favoritism from your boss will immediately relay your negativity to your boss and can put your job at risk. Positivity can help boost the morale of those around you. 

Avoidance is also great to prevent the rumor mill.  If you know someone that has a reputation of spreading rumors then is best to steer clear of him or her.  Again, most people who spread rumors do so for attention so avoidance can prevent future “juicy gossip” from spreading as the rumor-spreading co-worker will see that they receive less attention by spreading rumors.

The education of a man begins at birth and continues for a lifetime. It is important for man to use his education in his life, though it may not mean the lessons taught inside the four corners of the room, the learning must be beyond it, must be far better than the academics.

Education includes teaching and learning skills, developing talents, sharing knowledge, and gaining wisdom. The importance of education is immeasurable, and so as the method that must be used to get man educated. Intelligence comes after it, for people used to define “intelligence” in describing their mental ability in learning and understanding things and how they applied it in their daily lives.

There are some people who excel much on certain things but lose when it comes to their weakness. In this society where people lived in, those who are not given the ideal intelligence are being discriminated all the time without even wondering what their hidden potentials are. And it makes life so complex for them just because they are not accepted, but they can’t just drop the culture they have because whatever happens they are there. The problem is how they will be able to show people what they have.

This Theory of Multiple Intelligences developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, solve the problem. Dr. Gardner is a professor of education in Harvard University. Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences utilizes aspects of cognitive and developmental psychology, anthropology, and sociology to explain the human intellect. His research is consisted of brain research and interviews.  He suggested that the traditional view of intelligence is far too limited. He then proposed eight different intelligences to widen and broaden the potentials of human beings. These intelligences are: linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, and lastly the naturalist intelligence. With this, educators around the world accepted his study and engaged their school in his educational system. Dr. Gardner believed that all individuals have all these eight intelligences yet, they have different combinations of each. In Multiple Intelligences, there are more types of intelligence which reflects ways in interacting people or with the world itself yet, it doesn’t mean that people are oblige to learn all in eight ways but people have to try and see the possibilities and then decide on what profession interests them the most.

“The theory of Multiple Intelligences is so intriguing because it expands our horizon of available teaching/learning tools beyond the conventional linguistic and logical methods used in most schools.” (http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.htm)

With this, individuals will be able to determine and enhance their potentials and they are given the chance to improve their weaknesses. They will also have fun and feel the joy of learning, the happiness created of being a student. They are capable of showing their talents, of letting other people see their uniqueness, of letting themselves shine.

Everyone deserves to be appreciated. Dr. Gardner gives man the opportunity to prove himself to everyone that he matters just like others.

This is what learning styles are for. Learning styles refer to the uniqueness of how each learner receives and understands information through their senses. A student’s learning style can be influence by his culture or lifestyle. And if the learning styles are determine, it can be used to improve academic performance and increase their academic achievement and creativity. Also, the attitude of the students toward learning will improve. Learning styles are about on how will educators or teachers approach their students to give them enough learning, on how will they able to supply knowledge for them wherein the students might enjoy. Teachers should find ways in reaching their students.

As a proof, it was stated that, “Teachers structure learning activities around an issue or question and connect subjects. Teachers develop strategies that allow students to demonstrate multiple ways of understanding and value their uniqueness.” ( http://www.lth3.k12.il.us/rhampton/mi/mi.htm)

The Multiple Intelligences with the Learning Styles work hand in hand. In every aspect of Multiple Intelligences, there is a preferred style/way in learning or enhancing it. Take for example, a student who is gifted of linguistic intelligence favors speeches for enhancing it, those who are gifted by bodily-kinesthetic prefer playing. With the help and application of these two, the students who will be the citizens of this country will be far better than yesterday. The final outcome of these two will definitely be a positive product – well-rounded individuals.