Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

The multiple intelligences strengths I identify with are Existential and Interpersonal. The core characteristics of Existential Intelligence are:

Collective Consciousness – the capability to see how something relates to the big picture
Collective Values – the understanding of classical western values of truth, goodness and beauty
Summative Iteration – the ability to summarize details into a larger understanding
Intuitive Iteration – a responsiveness to the intangible qualities of being human, be it responding to the arts, philosophical virtues or religious tenets (surfaquariam.com)

The second intelligence I identified with is Intrapersonal. The core characteristics of this intelligence are:

Collaborative Skills – the capability to jointly complete tasks with others
Cooperative Attitude – the willingness to offer and accept input
Leadership – recognition by peers as someone to follow
Social Influence – an ability to persuade others
Social Empathy – an awareness and concern for others
Social Connection – a skill for meaningfully relating to others (surfaquairum.com)

The best learning style that describes me is the Existential Intelligence. I like to understand and see connections to bigger pictures in life.
Students with this intelligence enjoy

Meaningful learning
Look for connections across the curriculum
Like to synthesize ideas based on their learning
Enjoy literature and customs from other cultures
Have a strong connection with family and friends
Develop a strong identity with their neighborhood and town
Express a sense of belonging to a global community
Like to get involved with social and political causes
Can have a strong commitment to their health and well-being
Tend to look at information relative to the context in which it is presented (surferaquiurum.com)

I could support this learning style by relating meaningful, insightful, and creative lessons for the student. The student will be interested in material that has a global tie and different perspectives included into the lesson.

Integrating your instruction across the curriculum
Including the arts in instruction where appropriate
Discussing how topics are important to the classroom, school, community or world
Bringing in resource people who offer additional perspective on a topic
Helping students learn to cohesively summarize what they have learned
Allowing students to demonstrate learning by applying understanding in new and different contexts
Having students participate in rubric development for performance-based tasks so that they take ownership for their learning

Technology is extremely important to help stimulate the student with this intelligences. Technology will enable the student to connect with other cultures and societies around the world. Technology will enable the student to be able to see, understand and connect globally to complex questions about life.
Here are some technologies that will be useful for students who identify with this technology:
Technologies that stimulate this intelligence:

Art replica
Planetarium
Stage drama
Classic literature
Classic philosophy
Symbols of world religions
Virtual communities
Virtual art exhibits
Virtual field trips
MUDs
Blogs
Wikis
Virtual reality
Simulations (surferaquirum.com)

Understanding Multiple Intelligence will help the teacher create a well rounded lesson plan that will enable the student to comprehend subjects because it encompasses their strengths and weaknesses. By realizing your student’s strengths and weaknesses the teacher will be able to use different activities to stimulate the students learning abilities. For example if you know the student needs a visual aid to help understand a subject the teacher should implement in the lesson a visual aid. By understanding and communicating with your students you will know their needs and this will create a strong learning environment for the student!