Defining intelligence is a puzzle that has challenged educators and researchers for years. More recently, professionals are acknowledging that individuals possess many facets of intelligence and that learning is a complex combination of genetic factors, environmental influences, and life experiences that affect learning in unique ways (Salvia,…

In 2006, this author decided to make multiple intelligences (MI)-inspired "activity menus" a regular part of her ESOL/Civics classes. She first tried this technique in a single class session to review what students had learned about industrialization, and it was a huge success. Since 2006, the author has introduced MI-inspired activity…

This paper addresses many theories of learning and human development which are very similar with regards as to how they suggest learning occurs. The differences in most of the theories exist in how they treat the development of the learner compared to methods of teaching. Most of the major learning theories taught to educators today are based on…

This action research project was designed to maximize learning for all students by addressing different learning styles and implementing various strategies. The students in the targeted school exhibited difficulty in experiencing academic success while exposed to conventional teaching strategies. The two target schools consisted of an intermediate…

The majority of students with learning disabilities have difficulties with social relationships. In this article, three key skill areas in social-emotional learning are identified as the main source of these difficulties: recognizing emotions in self and others, regulating and managing strong emotions (positive and negative), and recognizing…

Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences helps teachers nurture students' unique intelligences. This article explains how one teacher reinvented her curriculum and teaching methods to meet all students' needs, highlighting a unit that introduced the concept of diverse strengths and open-ended exploration of the seven intelligences through…

This thesis deals with using visual organizers as scaffolds in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). Based on the findings of scientific researches, the review of literature explicates the effectiveness and fruitfulness in employing visuals organizers in EFL instructions. It includes the five following components. First, visual organizers…

Describes the evolution and features of the instructional approach developed in Reggio Emilia, Italy preschools. Notes how the approach incorporates multiple intelligences, developmentally appropriate instruction, and an emergent curriculum; how children are encouraged to express their ideas in more than one medium or "language"; and how…

This action research project evaluated a program to improve student motivation. The targeted population consisted of sixth- and eleventh-grade students in grammar/literature, physical education, and social studies classes in suburban Chicago. Three interventions were selected: incorporation of multiple intelligence strategies, implementation of…

This book presents successful classroom practices for teaching thinking skills with children and adolescents. An introduction discusses the basic importance of cognitive processes to academic success and the importance of thinking skills programs for all students. Four fundamental concepts that underlie recent changes in curriculum and…

This collection of articles on the learner-centered classroom offers strategies that fall into the following five educational arenas: (1) integrated curricula; (2) thoughtful instruction; (3) active learning; (4) reflective transfer; and (5) authentic assessment. Section one presents an overview of natural, holistic, integrated curricula created…

Early childhood educators are justifiably concerned that demands for academic standards in preschool will result in developmentally inappropriate instruction that focuses on a narrow set of isolated skills. But Ms. Stipek believes that teaching preschoolers basic skills can give them a good foundation for their school careers, and she shows that…

Based upon Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, this book guides elementary school teachers through the process of using classroom learning centers and projects by providing choices for students. The guide is divided into two sections, providing the theoretical background and information on how to develop multiple intelligences learning…

In this article, the author relates her difficult experiences as a novice teacher when she started teaching bilingual third-graders in Spanish at Spangler Elementary School in 2002. She relates that her teaching strategy of balancing rigor and sweetness had its rewards as her students' rate of reading proficiency on the Colorado Student Assessment…

Some educators suggest that schools shift their teaching paradigm to one of environments in which students take command of their own education, wherein learning is more authentic and students can do what Piaget suggests learning results from--acting upon reality. This book outlines six curricular models based on Gardner's multiple intelligences…