1.

0 INTRODUCTION OF MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES

Multiple intelligences are a theory first discovered by Harvard developmental

psychologist Howard Gardner in 1983. This theory suggests that human intelligence
can be differentiated into the following modalities such as visual-spatial, verbal-
linguistic, musical-rhythmic, logical-mathematical, interpersonal, intrapersonal,
naturalistic and bodily-kinesthetics. Multiple intelligences is basically refers to a
theory describing the different ways of how students learn and acquire information in
classroom teaching.

When Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences came out in 1983, it radically

changed teaching and learning around the world with the notion that there is more
than one way to learn, in fact, there are at least eight! This theory is a major
departure from the more traditional "chalk and talk" of education where the teacher
simply "deposits" knowledge into the student's mind and the student must "receive,
memorize and repeat." These multiple intelligences range from the use of words,
numbers, pictures and music to the importance of social interactions, introspection,
physical movement and being in tune with nature. This theory helps an educator to
modify their teaching method and learning styles according to their students level of
understandings. It also helps a teacher to adjust learning styles and suggest certain
career paths for learners.

2.0 CAN TEACHER USE MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE TO TEACH STUDENTS

WITH LEARNING DISABILITY?

In my view, a teacher needs to use multiple intelligences to teach students with

learning disability. This is because these special needs group is a group of students
who need full attention. They have the right to get a proper education like any other
children. What challenges teachers is that students with learning disability wont
focus in the classroom if the teacher use the old traditional teaching methods. By
using Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences as basis for a curriculum in the classroom,
students with learning disability will be able to display their strengths and interests.
Multiple Intelligences theory had some very important implications for both teachers
and students especially for learning disability students. The teaching styles and
strategies should suit students’ diverse abilities and attitudes.

3.0 TWO CLASS ACTIVITIES BY APPLYING ANY ONE OF MI THEORY AND

HOW IT WORKS FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES STUDENTS?

For many educators who struggling with learning disability students, Gardner's
theory has come as a relief for them. Gardner’s multiple intelligence helps the
educator to guide and bring the learning disability students in the right track. Almost
in every classroom activity teacher can include multiple intelligences. Two activities
that I choose for applying multiple intelligence is Memory game and Say it loud.

3.1 Memory game

For an example a maths teacher can use Spatial-visual intelligence and musical
intelligence as a teaching aid when teaching for the learning disability students. If we
are teaching students about multiplication tables, for example, we can add visual
references such as interactive slides/videos or teach children a song with music
about multiplication. The theory of multiple intelligences is connected to multisensory
learning, which teaches that children learn better with activities that involve more
than one sense. Indeed, we can engage the students' visual, tactile, auditory and
other senses to gain more students.

3.2 Say it loud

Students with ADHD, and dyslexia face specific learning challenges especially
in growing their vocabulary. Teacher should use creative methods that are fun and
effective to encourage these students to enhance their vocabulary. Therefore,
Gardner’s suggest teachers to use Multiple intelligence for this kind of students.
Spatial-visual intelligence is one of the fun MI where the teacher can apply when
teaching learning disability students. For example, a teacher might challenge a
student with learning disabilities to apply visual tools to remember three new words
each week. Teachers can also provide classroom incentives to help motivate
students with ADHD or dyslexia to boost their vocabularies.

As a conclusion, combine verbal linguistics with visual spatial the different

multiple intelligences at least once a week. Create a weekly checklist with all eight
intelligences so that we ensure we are using a comprehensive multiple intelligence
strategy in class. When planning interventions for struggling students, find their
strengths related to multiple intelligences theory. If a child has strong spatial
intelligence but weak linguistic skills, for example, we may be able to use their
strengths to teach difficult concepts by using illustrating, photographing and graphic
design to strengthen their linguistic abilities and can encourage them to school one-
day trip to recall back what they remembered in that trip where it influences to talk
and try their level best to convey the message.

References :
1. Howard Gardner’s Theory On Multiple Intelligences
https://tophat.com/glossary/m/multiple-intelligences/