A Little More Style

Changing the pace of your class by modifying lessons is an effective way to re-capture students’ attention. Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences can be used to modify lessons in ways that appeal to different intelligences. This tip suggests ideas related to four of the intelligences included in Gardner’s theory. Let us know if you would like more information about Gardner's model.

Linguistic Intelligence

Using words well represents the principal intelligence used in universities. To make class ideas more memorable, consider some of these tips.

Free Write. Give students a few minutes to write down their thoughts. You can guide the process with a question or you can ask for their reaction to the material. There is no need to collect or grade these. These writings aim to summarize and connect the material to their thinking.

Use Language Arts. Rhymes, sayings, catchy expressions, mnemonic words were all used before written language to aid learning. They still work; borrow or invent some. Better yet, have students develop some. Fables, parables, as well as cases or stories can help students understand, remember, or see the purpose for the material. This adds an interesting twist to science and math or physical education or music classes (other intelligences).

Try Dialogue. Have students develop and present a position. A debate, a comparison of two points of view, a short reading from several journals, or progress reports on projects are all quick ways to bring student voices into the classroom.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

This is the second most common intelligence found in university work. It can be a valuable tool in helping students better understand many subjects when used deliberately.

Sequence. If students are unclear about broad or multifaceted concepts, find some way to sequence ideas and organize in some kind of order. A list or a simple syllogism might help some students get your point.

Invent Formulae. Summarize concepts by inventing a formula that highlights the main points.

Tips + Practice + Reflection = Great Teaching.

See, many complex ideas become clearer when math tools are used to advantage.

Chart Data. Information doesn't always capture our attention or communicate its scale when left in narrative form. A time line that accurately indicates the length of public education in the scale of human history might be sobering. Graphing a curve to describe the growth of campaign contributions, for example, might make the point more dramatic. Have students use color markers and large paper to create such representations. This adds visual intelligence and helps students understand what the numbers mean.

Interpersonal Intelligence

Social relationships provides a powerful avenue for learning for many people. Because the ability to get along well with others is learned as well as innate, teachers can use social activities to facilitate growth in their students. Here are some tips to use social interaction as a way to better understand the material.

Sharing Moment. Before getting responses to your questions, give students a minute to talk to someone nearby. The chance to interact and compare ideas allows for more complex thinking. It also lets students find that their ideas are worth sharing. In only a couple short minutes, this social energy can give a class a valuable boost.

Jigsaw. There are a number of ways to divide content into segments and assign different members of a class (individually or in teams) to learn one of the segments and share with the others. When all the segments have been completed, students will be able to put the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together. It’s a great way for students to learn from each other.

Simulations. Give students a chance to act out concepts through a role-play, game, or other simulation. Experiencing the idea is often worth far more than hearing about it.

Group quizzes. Feeling radical? Allow groups to meet and discuss quiz questions at the beginning of class before they hand in their answers. This is a great way to review readings and focus attention on the day's lesson.

Intrapersonal Intelligence

Knowing and being comfortable with oneself is especially important in places like universities, where new information and ideas continually challenge our students. Creating moments when students can build on their ability to forge an academic identity out of course material may be one of the most important knowledge gains that can be made. Some tips to help:

Personal Reflections. Stop after you have made your point or covered the reading and ask students, "How does this relate to your life?" Allow them a moment or two of quiet reflection. You may ask people to share, or let them write in a journal, or continue with the lesson.

Quiet Time. Start the class with a quiet time that lasts 1 or 2 minutes. After all the hustle between classes allow a private minute to collect thoughts and begin concentrating on the work at hand.

Deal with It. We all have moments of doubt and negative feelings (especially after a poor showing on an assignment). Offer students some ideas on how to deal with it. Where did things go wrong? What can be done to improve? Call the CIRT for a copy of the Seligman's ABCDE model for controlling negative thinking.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to learn something. When our classrooms get into a rut, we are usually relying on learning styles that are comfortable to us. Students may be dragging because they aren't working in ways they trust. Changing teaching modes can be an effective way to re-engage learners.

This Teaching Tip was first published by Indiana State University’s, Center for Teaching and Learning on February 24, 1997.