Multiple Intelligences and Brain-Based Learning

Multiple Intelligences and Brain-Based Learning Miranda Landaluce 3/9/12 College of Western Idaho

Multiple Intelligences and Brain-Based Learning

Multiple Intelligences and Brain-Based Learning Learning is a complex network of woven together processes, functions, and interactions that work together to create something lasting in an individual. Learning is not cut and dry it has many different facets that all play a role. Emotions, experiences, and preferences are all a part of the learning process. Each student comes to the classroom an individual with a unique life experience and that will shape the way that student learns. If children are all unique they will not all learn in the same way and thus should not be assessed in the same way. Teachers need to look at each student individual and create a way of teaching that will benefit each student and cause them to grow and succeed in their classroom. Multiple Intelligences

Multiple Intelligences and Brain-Based Learning

Howard Gardners theory of multiple intelligences states that there are eight different intelligences; these intelligences are the ways in which students learn (Nolen, p. 115). Gardner thought that the intelligences typically operated together, rather than individually (SPARKed). Meaning that a student does not learn by simply one of the intelligences, instead they learn from all of them. Some of the intelligences will be more natural for the student to use when learning, however it is important to use all of the intelligences when teaching so that the student can see how to learn using all of them instead of only one or two. Using the multiple intelligences in the lessons is a great way to help the students learn to their full potential while challenging them and helping them grow. The theory of multiple intelligences is an important factor in learning and it really helps prove the fact that learning is a personal experience that changes from student to student. As a teacher it is important for us to give our students a learning experience that will encourage them to succeed at the highest level. In order to that the methods of teaching need to be a variety rather then just one type. Using multiple methods of instruction challenges the students and helps them see things in a new light. The theory of multiple intelligences is a great tool for the classroom, because it benefits both the teacher and the students. Brain-Based Learning The idea behind brain-based learning is to help students move from just memorizing information to making it meaningful (Caine and Cain p 65-73). Brain-Based learning is a key tool for students when they are trying to learn new information. In the education system today there seems to be a increase in simply trying to memorize information rather then store it to memory. Students are told to memorize a list of facts and be able to recall them for a test.

Multiple Intelligences and Brain-Based Learning

Learning should be so much more then that, it should be something that is lifelong. When learning new information students should relate it to something in their own life and make it meaningful, thus storing it to their memory. This method of learning is a more difficult process but the end result is more beneficial to the student. Using this method of learning will result in meaningful memorization of the information that will make it easier for the student to recall when necessary. Infusion-Based Approach An infusion-based approach to education is a curriculum designed to help all students with or without disabilities by incorporating information about disabilities into the curriculum ( Kovar, Combs, Campbell, Napper-Owen, Worrell, p. 134). This approach is designed to help integrate the students disabilities into the classroom and give them a more universal approach to learning. Being integrated into the classroom is important for students with disabilities because it allows them to be around their peers and experience education along with them. Adapting the curriculum for students with disabilities that are mainstreamed into the classroom is not always an easy task, but it is important for their learning experience. Physical Education It is important for students to learn the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. As teachers it is our job to teach our students how to incorporate healthy choices into every aspect of their lives. Incorporating movement into lessons and teaching them the information about a healthy lifestyle is an important aspect of education. Putting movement into the lessons is a great way to keep the students active throughout the day and will increase their memory retention.

Multiple Intelligences and Brain-Based Learning

Obesity is a growing epidemic among children in the United States (Kovar, Combs, Campbell, Napper-Owen, Worrell p.95). The growing rate of overweight children is something that the school can address and help change. By teaching children how to live a healthy lifestyle and helping them be physically active throughout the day. The more active students are throughout the day the more likely they are to continue being active at home. A Combination A combination of all these methods and theories is the best approach to teaching in my opinion. I think that using multiple intelligences in the lessons as well as making it meaningful will benefit the students in learning. I think that the key to being a successful teacher is making the learning experience a meaningful process for them. Incorporating movement and fitness into the curriculum is another important part of making the information meaningful to the students. Learning is a personal emotion process that all students experience differently and it is important for teachers to remember that and take into account the individuality of their students. Being able to help the students learn in a way that will benefit them for the rest of their lives is what education is really about, now about memorizing a bunch of facts. The learning process is simple or cut and dry it is a complex system that requires time and effort. However it is one of the most important things that a student will learn.

Multiple Intelligences and Brain-Based Learning

References Caine G, and R. N. Caine. May 1989. Learning about Accelerated Learning Training and Developmental Journal 65-73. Kovar K. Susan, Combs A. Cndy, Campbell Kathy, Napper-Owen Gloria, Worrell J. Vicki. Elementary Classroom Teahcers as Movement Educators. McGraw Hill 2012. Multiple Intelligence Theory. SPAKed. (n.d.) Nolen L. Jennifer.2003. Multiple Intelligence in the Classroom.