Teaching students based on Gardner's theory on multiple intelligences.
Teachers are inundated with many theories, ideologies, and choices on how to teach their students. Books are endless with the correct and incorrect ways to reach a child. Each year or two new thoughts on schooling are presented and teachers are to morph with the changes. However, many times the wheel is being reinvented with a new name and a few alterations to the standard prototype.
When teaching students, Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence theory is an excellent tool to create lessons that will benefit all students. Traditional teaching was based on students listening and the teacher speaking about different concepts. However, the teaching field sees the importance of students getting involved in the learning process.
A tableau presentation allows students to reenact a scene with no written words or oral presentation. Rather students must portray their characters with their stance and facial expressions. A students can illustrate a great deal of knowledge of a character with out saying a word. As well, students may review a concept with the Baseball Game, rather than reading and rereading the information. The more senses a student is able to employ to learn a concept the greater probability they will retain the information long term.
Teachers are working hard to reach all students but with all the new and old theories, it is difficult for teachers to decipher the best strategy to teach to the student's individual needs. Use Gardner as a tool and incorporate your own strategies for a balanced teaching style.
