Language Barriers

1. Language Barriers Using the Multiple Intelligence Theory and Instructional Technology to Break the Barriers By Carrie Pilant

2. The Problem • English Language Learner (ELL) students present challenges in the classroom. Their differences can be extreme and if the focus lies on those differences, teaching that individual can become a difficult task. • So, what if educators focus on similarities rather than differences?

3. A Solution • Educators could choose to group English Language Learners with students who have similar learning styles.

4. Learning Styles • Howard Gardner published a book, Frames of Mind in the early 1980s. Gardner theorized there are nine basic multiple intelligences (learning styles) that learners possess.

5. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence • Bodily / Kinesthetic - interaction with the environment • Existential - connecting to larger understandings • Interpersonal - interaction with others • Intrapersonal - feelings, values and attitudes • Logical / Mathematical - problem solving • Musical / Rhythmic - sound and patterning • Naturalist - attributes, categories and hierarchies • Verbal / Linguistic – language • Visual / Spatial - seeing and imagining

6. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence • Many educators and/or teachers already apply Gardner’s MI theory into their classrooms. • However, what if there was a way to apply the MI theory using technology?

7. Technology • Technology is a strong motivator for most students because the current generation is growing up in what is known as the “Digital Age”. • Walter McKenzie’s Multiple Intelligences and Instructional Technology (2002) provides educators with guidelines for using technology based on the MI theory.

8. Walter McKenzie • McKenzie correlates intelligences with technology tools. • In the next nine slides, technologies are listed that preeminently connect with each Multiple Intelligence.

9. Technology and MI Theory • Bodily / Kinesthetic • Construction tools • Kitchen utensils • P.E. equipment • Manipulative materials • Mouse • Assistive technologies

10. Technology and MI Theory • Existential • Planetarium • Stage drama • Classic literature • Virtual field trips • Simulations • Symbol of world religions

11. Technology and MI Theory • Interpersonal • Class discussion • Post-it notes • Greeting cards • Telephone • Intercom • Instant messenger

12. Technology and MI Theory • Intrapersonal • Journals • Diaries • Learning centers • Class debate • Digital portfolios with self-assessment

13. Technology and MI Theory • Mathematical / Logical • Calculator • Lecture • Ruler / yardstick • Spreadsheet • Measuring cups/scales • Problem-solving tasks

14. Technology and MI Theory • Musical / Rhythmical • Pattern blocks • Puzzles • Tape player / recorder • Speakers • CD-ROM disks • CD-ROM players

15. Technology and MI Theory • Naturalist • Magnifying glass • Microscope • Scrapbook • Sandwich bag • Semantic mapping tools • Floppy drive

16. Technology and MI Theory • Verbal / Linguistic • Textbook • Pencil • Worksheet • Magazine • Word processing • Keyboard • E-mail

17. Technology and MI Theory • Visual / Spatial • Television • Picture books • Charting and graphing • Digital camera • HTML editor • Slideshows

18. Technology • The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) addresses all of Gardner’s intelligences (through the six National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Students).

19. Technology The Six Standards are (click to see the Standard correlated to MI theory): • Basic Operations and Concepts • Social, Ethical, and Human Issues • Technology Productivity Tools • Technology Communications Tools • Technology Research Tools • Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools Next Slide

20. Standard I Back to Standards

21. Standard II Back to Standards

22. Standard III Back to Standards

23. Standard IV Back to Standards

24. Standard V Back to Standards

25. Standard VI Back to Standards

26. ISTE • Teachers who integrate technology in their instructional planning could find the ISTE NETS to be a useful guideline. • A copy of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Students and Multiple Intelligences that relate to that standard in Adobe Acrobat Reader (McKenzie, 2002).

27. Learning Styles • Regardless of language barriers, most students prefer a specific learning style. Technology can be integrated once the learning style is established. • How is a multiple intelligence (learning style) determined?

28. Determining MI • There are many ways to determine which of Gardner’s MI you prefer. Below are a few user friendly websites with immediate results: • http://surfaquarium.com/MI/inventory.htm • http://www.ldpride.net • http://snow.utoronto.ca/courses/mitest.html • A good rule of thumb is to use multiple resources and testing to ensure accuracy of the results.

29. Accuracy • To double-check accuracy of the intelligence preference, it is important to acquire a test in the child’s native language. • There are websites available for free translations to assist in preparing the student to take a screening test. The translation tools are not always precise and it would be wise to check for correctness.

30. The following websites offer free translations. http://www.freetranslation.com http://babelfish.altavista.com http://translation2.paralink.com/ ELL Website Support

31. Resource Links • Howard Gardner’s website http://www.howardgardner.com/ • Havard College’s webpage on Howard Gardner http://www.pz.harvard.edu/PIs/HG.htm • Walter McKenzie’s website http://surfaquarium.com/MI/index.htm

32. Resource Links • Support For Learning’s webpage on learning styles http://www.support4learning.org.uk/education/learning_styles.cfm • Eduscapes’ webpage on Technology and Multiple Intelligences http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic68.htm

33. References Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New york: BasicBooks. McKenzie, W. (2002). Multiple intelligences and instructional technology: A manual for every mind. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.