Seminar on Applying Multiple Intelligence Approach in Teaching English

Multiple intelligence (MI) theory has received much attention over the past 20 years. Almost 80 years after the first intelligence test was found, Howard Gardner questioned the notion that intelligence is something that can be objectively measured and reduced to a single quotient or score.Explaining that our culture has defined intelligence too simplistically, Gardner proposed in Frames of Mind (1983) the existence of at least eight basic intelligences, namely; linguistic intelligence, logical intelligence, visual intelligence, kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence and naturalistic intelligence.
Caption 1: Damon Anderson delivered speech.

Proposing the MI concept, Gardner sought to broaden the perception of human potential beyond the confines of traditional IQ scores. Thus, Gardner suggested educators view intelligence as the capacity for solving the problems and fashioning products in context-rich and naturalistic settings rather than place the traditional importance on the ability to produce a large quotient. Gardner's theory has encouraged educators to view children as equals regardless of a quotient produced form an intelligence exam.MI theory can be described not only as a philosophy or an attitude toward learning but as possible techniques to be developed in the classroom as well. The teacher's role in an MI classroom, for example, contrasts sharply with that of a teacher in a traditional classroom (Gardner, 1997). In the traditional classroom, the teacher lectures while standing at the front of the classroom, writes on the board, questions students about the assigned readings or handouts, and waits as students finish written work.

In comparison, in the MI classroom, the teacher continually shifts method of presentation from linguistic to spatial to musical and soon. Teachers can also combine intelligences in creative ways. And this is especially true for those of us who work in the field of education.

Seminar Participants consists of English Teachers and Instructors of High Schools and English Courses, Students around Yogyakarta Province, and Reporters.

Seminar Participants consists of English Teachers and Instructors of High Schools and English Courses, Students around Yogyakarta Province, and Reporters.

The Speakers are Damon Anderson, RELO Officer, DR. Khoirudin Bashori, Endro DH, American Corner UMY Director.

In terms of teaching English, some strategies related to the development of communicative approach and competence based strategies have been applied by English teachers. MI theory opens the door to a wide variety of teaching strategies that can be implemented in the classroom to support the existing ones.

MI theory provides a road for accomplishing what good teachers have always done: reach beyond the text to make varied chances available for students to learn and show evidence in learning. MI theory allows a framework for teachers to reflect on their best teaching methods and to understand why these methods work. It also assists teachers expand their teaching repertoire to include a broader range of methods, materials, and techniques for reaching an ever-wider and more diverse range of learners.

Based on the above perspectives, the American Corner of University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta conducted a seminar on Applying Multiple Intelligences in Teaching English, on October, 12, 2004. The seminar was facilitated by an American Speakers from RELO (Regional English Language Officer) and an Indonesian speaker. The speakers from RELO are Damon Anderson and Prof. Patricia Dunkel PhD from University of Georgia. Both are presenting papers on presenting a topic entitled " Applying Multiple Intelligence Approach in Teaching English". While the Indonesian speaker was Dr. Khoiruddin Bashori, the rector of University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, presenting a paper entitled, "Teaching using Multiple Intelligence ": Psychological Perspectives.

The goals of the seminar are; raising teachers' awareness of the existence of Multiple Intelligences, helping English teachers in seeking more varied approaches in their teaching, helping teachers in general to develop all intelligences of the students.

There are approximately 110 participants comprising English teachers, English lecturers, and students in Yogyakarta region. The participants were very enthusiastic in joining the seminar signed by their various and critical questions addressed to the speakers. Additionally, the use of multimedia concerning the theory of Multiple Intelligence from Howard Gardner by Damon Anderson made the presentation more vivid and interesting. The seminar had lasted for the whole day, starting on 8 am until 4 pm.

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