Multiple
intelligence (MI) theory has received much attention over the
past 20 years. Almost 80 years after the first intelligence test
was found, Howard Gardner questioned the notion that
intelligence is something that can be objectively measured
Caption 1: Mr. Damon
Anderson delivered speech.
and reduced to a single quotient or score.Explaining that our
culture has defined intelligence too simplistically, Gardner
proposed in Frames of Mind (1983) the existence of at least
eight basic intelligences, namely; linguistic intelligence,
logical intelligence, visual intelligence, kinesthetic
intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence,
intrapersonal intelligence and naturalistic intelligence.
Proposing the MI concept, Gardner sought to broaden the
perception of human potential beyond the confines of traditional
IQ scores. Thus, Gardner suggested educators view intelligence
as the capacity for solving the problems and fashioning products
in context-rich and naturalistic settings rather than place the
traditional importance on the ability to produce a large
quotient. Gardner's theory has encouraged educators to view
children as equals regardless of a quotient produced form an
intelligence exam.MI theory can be described not only as a
philosophy or an attitude toward learning but as possible
techniques to be developed in the classroom as well. The
teacher's role in an MI classroom, for example, contrasts
sharply with that of a teacher in a traditional classroom
(Gardner, 1997). In the traditional classroom, the teacher
lectures while standing at the front of the classroom, writes on
the board, questions students about the assigned readings or
handouts, and waits as students finish written work.
In comparison, in the MI
classroom, the teacher continually shifts method of presentation
from linguistic to spatial to musical and soon. Teachers can
also combine intelligences in creative ways. And this is
especially true for those of us who work in the field of
education.
In terms of teaching English,
some strategies related to the development of communicative
approach and competence based strategies have been applied by
English teachers. MI theory opens the door to a wide variety of
teaching strategies that can be implemented in the classroom to
support the existing ones.
MI theory provides a road for
accomplishing what good teachers have always done: reach beyond
the text to make varied chances available for students to learn
and show evidence in learning. MI theory allows a framework for
teachers to reflect on their best teaching methods and to
understand why these methods work. It also assists teachers
expand their teaching repertoire to include a broader range of
methods, materials, and techniques for reaching an ever-wider
and more diverse range of learners. Based on the above
perspectives, the American Corner of University of Muhammadiyah
Yogyakarta conducted a seminar on Applying Multiple
Intelligences in Teaching English, on October, 12, 2004.
The seminar was facilitated by an American Speakers from RELO
(Regional English Language Officer) and an Indonesian speaker.
The speakers from RELO are Damon Anderson and Prof. Patricia
Dunkel PhD from University of Georgia. Both are presenting
papers on presenting a topic entitled " Applying Multiple
Intelligence Approach in Teaching English". While the
Indonesian speaker was Dr. Khoiruddin Bashori, the rector of
University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, presenting a paper
entitled, "Teaching using Multiple Intelligence ":
Psychological Perspectives. The goals of the seminar are;
raising teachers' awareness of the existence of Multiple
Intelligences, helping English teachers in seeking more varied
approaches in their teaching, helping teachers in general to
develop all intelligences of the students. There are
approximately 110 participants comprising English teachers,
English lecturers, and students in Yogyakarta region. The
participants were very enthusiastic in joining the seminar
signed by their various and critical questions addressed to the
speakers. Additionally, the use of multimedia concerning the
theory of Multiple Intelligence from Howard Gardner by Damon
Anderson made the presentation more vivid and interesting. The
seminar had lasted for the whole day, starting on 8 am until 4
pm. (end text)
Multiple
intelligence (MI) theory has received much attention over the
past 20 years. Almost 80 years after the first intelligence test
was found, Howard Gardner questioned the notion that
intelligence is something that can be objectively measured