When mentoring our pre-service and in-service teachers we need to describe and model both research-based and clinically tested best practices. Accordingly, our mentees should know about the theory of multiple intelligences developed by Howard Gardner.
Dr. Gardner posited that a student’s intelligence should not simply be measured by his or her verbal and mathematical abilities. Intelligence should also include five other areas of giftedness including visual/spatial, body/kinesthetic, musical/rhythmic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.
The activity below, “Searching for Multiple Intelligences”, invites students to assess, record and discuss their preferred multiple intelligences profile.
Searching for Multiple Intelligences
(*Davidson & Solomon, 1998)
Directions: Walk around the room and find someone who fits one of the characteristics described below. Ask that person to print his/her name on the line provided. Try to get as many different names as you can. No person may record his/her name more than once.
1. Plays a musical instrument________________________
2. Likes to design and use charts _____________________
3. Likes to draw or photograph things in nature _________
4. Keeps a diary or journal _________________________
5. Loves to socialize_______________________
6. Has made a power point presentation, slide show, videotape, or photo album _______________________
7. Is knowledgeable in a martial art ______
8. Has written a poem, short story, or play _______
9. Can draw, paint, sketch, or sculpt ____________
10. Likes to set personal goals _________________
11. Sings or sang in the synagogue choir or on stage____________
12. Likes to tell stories or jokes ______________________
13. Enjoys watching and identifying birds __________________
14. Likes to draw analogies or solve brain teasers _______________________
15 Enjoys facilitating a group meeting ___________________
16. Likes to build things with his/her hands _____________________
17. Meditates regularly _______________________________
18. Uses binoculars, a telescope, a microscope, or a magnifying glass outside of the classroom _____________________________
19. Can replicate rhythmical patterns ______________________
20. Does aerobics, or plays tennis, racquetball, basketball, or golf ___________
21. Likes to write letters _____________________________
22. Designed and conducted an experiment _____________________
23. Easily shares his/her thoughts and feelings with others ________
24. Can identify the different colors in a spectrum _________________
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On the next post we will share the key for this exercise.
