Multiple intelligence impact on adult learning

Many educators have had the experience of not being able to reach some students until presenting the information in a completely different way or providing new options for student expression. Perhaps it was a student who struggled with writing until the teacher provided the option to create a graphic story, which blossomed into a beautiful and complex narrative. Or maybe it was a student who just couldn't seem to grasp fractions, until he created them by separating oranges into slices. Because of these kinds of experiences, the theory of multiple intelligences resonates with many educators. It supports what we all know to be true: A one-size-fits-all approach to education will invariably leave some students behind. The theory of multiple intelligences challenges the idea of a single IQ, where human beings have one central "computer" where intelligence is housed.

I want them to understand it so that they will be positioned to make it a better place. Knowledge is not the same as morality, but we need to understand if we are to avoid past mistakes and move in productive directions. An important part of that understanding is knowing who we are and what we can do Ultimately, we must synthesize our understandings for ourselves. The performance of understanding that try matters are the ones we carry out as human beings in an imperfect world which we can affect for good or for ill". Howard Gardner

Over the past few decades, research in the field of learning has led to the discovery of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. In short, this theory states that each person has different ways of learning and different intelligences they use in their daily lives. While some can learn very well in a linguistically-based environment reading and writing , others are better taught through mathematical-logic based learning.

I must admit that I had never thought about uses of MI ideas with adult learners who were trying to master the basic literacies Thanks to the pioneering work of [the authors], and AMI teacher-researchers, we now know that, in capable hands, the idea of multiple intelligences has a generative role to play in the education of adults. MI Reflections-looking at the successes and challenges involved in using MI theory in adult education, including an array of activities for exploring MI theory with students. MI-Inspired Instruction-discussing how MI theory can be used to develop learning experiences and instructional strategies that tap into students intelligence strengths. MI-Inspired Lessons-presenting concrete examples of how AMI teachers translated MI theory into lessons and activities for language arts, learning English, writing, reading for meaning, math, science, and more.