Diverse Learners: Considering Intelligence Theories EDU 241: Educational Technology Dr. Daniel Moos

Intelligence: Introduction (I) Why is it important to consider intelligence?

Intelligence: Introduction (II) How is intelligence studied? Factor Analysis: Statistical analysis used to measure a latent variable (i.e. can’t directly measure the variable) Results identify underlying manifest variables (i.e. variables that can be directly measured)

Intelligence: Introduction (III) Example of Factor Analysis: How is athletic ability measured at NHL tryouts? Athletic Ability Strength Speed Agility

Intelligence: Factor Models (I) Charles Spearman (1927) Two factors g factor  domain-general and homogeneous (i.e. intellectual functioning relatively homogenous across a number of different tasks) Specific factor  Specific factors that are pertinent to specific task (but…g factor is what most interested Spearman) g factor

GARDNER’S THEORY OF INTELLIGENCE Dimension Description Example Linguistic Ability to use language Logical Reasoning, numbers, symbols Musical Sensitivity to pitch, tone perceive the visual-spatial world accurately Spatial Kinesthetic Ability to use body coordinated movements Interpersonal Understanding of social interactions Intrapersonal Understanding of self Naturalistic Recognize similarities/diff in physical world

GARDNER’S THEORY OF INTELLIGENCE, APPLICATION TO REAL-LIFE CONTEXT Linguistic Ability to use language Identify two specific examples of how you might address different “intelligences” within your class? In other words, how might you design activities/lessons, etc to meet the needs of students with diverse set of intelligences? Logical Reasoning, numbers, symbols Musical Sensitivity to pitch, tone Spatial Perceive words accurately Kinesthetic Ability to use body coordinated movements Interpersonal Understanding of social interactions Intrapersonal Understanding of self Naturalistic Recognize similarities/diff in physical world