Intelligence theory transforming teaching. theory

National Catholic Reporter, March 29, 1996 by Ron Nuzzi

"The image of God," one teacher said, "in which we were all created, has these seven manifestations." Thus Gardner may very well have uncovered seven different ways of describing the image of God as found in all people. The seven intelligences point out the ways in which each of us has been blessed.

Second, MI teaching techniques are highly effective with diverse populations and in inclusive classrooms, where some students have special needs. Multicultural situations are a perfect context for MI instruction because various elements of culture -- literature, art, music, dance, architecture and poetry -- can be used to teach the subject at hand. Teachers using MI techniques have reported a growing tolerance of diversity among their students.

Third, MI theory is applicable across the curriculum, and thousands of teachers already plan their science, math and English lessons around the seven intelligences. Given the rich tradition of the church, the theory is especially useful in religious education and theology. Catholicism is itself a veritable MI treasure chest. Many of the world's greatest paintings, sculptures, pieces of music, buildings and books are related to the history of Christianity.

A wonderful example of MI theory as it applies to Catholic schools can be found in the Mass -- a perfect MI experience long before there was an MI theory. When celebrated as prescribed, the Mass expresses all seven of the intelligences and calls forth a variety of gifts in those present. Could this be the reason the Second Vatican Council called the Eucharist "the source and summit" of the Christian life? Might this also be the reason the liturgy can at times be so powerful and moving?

Veteran teachers often respond that MI theory confirms what they have known all along: Students learn. in many different ways and at different paces. Many new teachers use it to expand their notion of teaching from a teacher-driven classroom into a hands-on learning environment structured largely by student inquiry

In most cases, students can readily comprehend the theory and quickly realize that just about any subject or class can be approached from seven different angles. In working with younger students, some teachers have used such simple phrases like "word smart" and "music smart," or "body smart" and "people smart."

Gardner summarized his critique of traditional education by saying that most teachers end up giving a student a grade which communicates how smart they are. MI teaching tries to help students determine how they are smart.

For your own homework, see if you can find examples from the gospels of Jesus using each of his seven, God-given. intelligences.