Multiple Intelligences

In what ways, if at all, do you think the concept of Multiple Intelligences can be useful to the online instructor?

Gardner (1983) proposed the  theory of multiple intelligences , which claims that there are seven autonomous brain systems that work together in complex ways; no intelligence exists by itself. Knowledge of multiple intelligences helps instructors to find ways to enhance the interplay of all of the intelligences. This is particularly true for the online courses as well. Online instructors can use this concept to make their teaching approach more comprehensive to engage the different types of learners.
The given reading,  "Orchestrating Multiple Intelligences" emphasis the need of group work, “Students with compatible profiles (exhibiting the same patterns of strengths and weaknesses) can work together to solidify and build on strengths”. The group work should be an integrated part of an online course. Students with different intelligence can team up to compensate each other’s weak areas.
Also, knowledge of multiple intelligence can be used to develop a more inclusive teaching environment by an instructor. The given reading advocates the creation of  ‘ rich experiences in which students with different intelligence profiles can interact with the materials and ideas using their particular combinations of strengths and weaknesses’.
The instructional strategies and course material should be designed in such a manner that they match with the intellectual strengths of individual students. The inclusive design of an online course will provide a greater access to the curriculum for all students, helping them to excel in their learning.
References:
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York: Basic Books.
Gardner, H. (1993). Multiple Intelligences: The theory in practice. New York: Basic Books.


You have raised an important issue. I think that in order to avoid any such situation, the instructor should lay an emphasis on shared responsibility rather than on individual competition. The instructor can include different interactive or non-interactive material, that requires all team members to give some kind of input/comment. There should be a division of labor among  team members. Instructor should monitor students' progress closely. Further, it is important for all team members to know the details including what will happen if the given task is not completed. Instructors should discuss the importance of distribution of the workload overtly and early on in the process of team formation. For younger learners, a teacher can even assign roles to be performed, keeping in mind the learning styles of individual
learners.

Yes you are right. The earlier teacher training programs centered on Pavlov and Skinner only. But, the things are like upside down from the last decade. During my teacher training program we studied the most modern educational concept of e-learning, MI, LS and other theories and pedagogical practices. When I was a teacher, there were mandatory in-service teacher training for everyone. All teacher training programs  integrate latest technologies and methodologies now a days.

I think that some senior teachers must  have this ‘ basic awareness about MI theory'(especially in India where in-service teacher training is not an integrated part of the  government school teachers' job).  They must  have that ‘lens’ to see through and  accept the fact that whatever they learnt in their teacher’s training some 30-40 years back might not hold true for today’s scenario. I remember when I was in primary school a few senior teachers considered students with high score on their mark sheets as ‘good’ students. I was lucky to be a ‘good student’ because I could adjust myself to their monotonous traditional way of 'telling(teaching)' facts in the classroom. But then,  in order to keep that good score on the mark sheets, I compromised my athletic activities. I never participated in a sport in my school life because I was too busy with the books. Ironically, other students those were good in art, sports or music never got a place in good student book of Math, English and Science subject teachers. I used to feel bad for my friends who didn't have highly developed auditory skills to cope with only lecturing method and thus, couldn't do well in class.