Multiple intellingences & The Good Language Learner

1. Multiple intellingences&The Good Language Learner

2. Ask yourself… • Traditionally, intelligence tests include activities that measure linguistic, mathematical and visual/spatial abilities. Can we then consider Rafa Nadal, Gandhi or Robbie Williams intelligent people? • Why do some top-class students fail when they have to face life and some low-class students succeed?

3. The theory of multiple intelligences • In normal conditions all human beings possess different intelligences. • Each of us have predilections for at least three of them. • The list of intellingences include the following ones: • Linguistic i. • Logical/mathematical i. • Visual/spatial i. • Musical i. • Interpersonal i. • Intrapersonal i. • Kinaesthetic i. • Environmental i. • Existential i.

4. The theory of multiple intelligences • Each student should be considered as unique and intelligently capable of learning. • The teacher’s task is to discover which intelligence each student is endowed with and to carry out classroom tasks favouring all intelligences.

5. The good language learner • The concept of “the good language learner” was devised in the late 70s. • It was investigated mainly with adults and most of the research conclusions refer to adulthood. • Accurate guessers and risk-takers; • A drive to communicate; • De-inhibited; • Monitor of grammar & speech; • Practice seeker; • Meaning concerned.

6. M.I. & the good language learner • Conclusions: • Add a variety of texts & activities to your lessons. • Create a positive, affective atmosphere. • Provide activities which promote “the good language learner’s features” • Communicative activities; • Activities to anticipate and guess meaning; • Activities to join the group and develop affective links; • Activities to monitor grammar & speech; • Activities with more practice than theory; • Meaningful activities focused on meaning.