Students\u27 Perceptions Of Learning Through Multiple Intelligences

The theory of multiple intelligences -- that individuals are smart in multiple ways -- is slowly being infused into the educational realm. A review of current literature indicates that the multiple intelligence theory is being incorporated into some schools. However, there is very little research at this time which identifies the results of incorporating multiple intelligences within education. The purpose of this research was to identify any change in students\u27 perceptions of their intelligence strengths by teaching with the multiple intelligences in a thematic science and language arts unit. Three sixth grade students were chosen as case studies for the research. Data included field observation notes, interviews, journals, and student projects. The findings were mixed with two of the case studies showing increase in their perceptions of their intelligence strengths. The results from the third case student were inconclusive with no identifiable patterns discernable from the data. The findings suggest that incorporating multiple intelligence theory in education has possible positive implications and that further research needs to be done