The George Lucas Educational Foundation

How?

How can the theory of multiple intelligences
be integrated into teaching and learning?

A growing number of educators have become intrigued with Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, and have developed programs that address the range of intelligences in lessons, projects, units of study, and whole curricula.

In this section, you will explore a number of examples documented by The George Lucas Educational Foundation. As with any innovation, it is important to plan for the introduction of the theory of multiple intelligences into the curriculum to give it the best chance of success. Building support among colleagues, parents, students, and community members will foster understanding and implementation efforts. We suggest that you read, visit other programs, and share ideas with your learning community. Then, with careful planning and laying out of the time line and benchmarks, implementing multiple intelligences can take place in a way that is appropriate for your school. The Resources section describes a number of books and Web sites to get you started in exploring this valuable topic and show you how other schools have progressed.

Resources from The George Lucas Educational Foundation provide examples of multiple intelligences in the classroom. As you read the articles and view the video segments, consider the following questions:

What evidence do I see and read that multiple intelligences are being addressed?
What evidence do I see and read that curriculum standards are being addressed?
How would I adapt what I see and read to my own classroom and school?
What methods of assessment will I use to determine if my students are learning what I want them to learn?
What methods of assessment will I use to determine how focusing on multiple intelligences makes a difference in student achievement?
How can I share with my colleagues what I'm doing, so as to expand their understanding and mine?

In the following table, you will find examples of articles and video segments produced by The George Lucas Educational Foundation that highlight different intelligences in the teaching and learning environments. As with all good programs, each of these includes more than one intelligence, so after examining the highlighted intelligence, you should explore how other intelligences are addressed as well.

Resources Demonstrating the Integration of Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

INTELLIGENCE HIGHLIGHTED	ARTICLE	VIDEO SEGMENT
Linguistic	Geo-Literacy: Forging New Ground Broadband, Big Screen! Enlivening English Language Learning in Southeast Los Angeles From Hula to High Tech A Common Language Creates an Uncommon Bond	"The Geo Literacy Project" "Nuuanu Elementary School" "Ohayo, Portland"
Logical -- Mathematical	Geometry in the Real World: Students as Architects Laptops for All Handhelds Go to Class	"Mountlake Terrace High School" "Mott Hall" "Hand Helds"
Spatial	Laptops on Expedition Students Find Their Voices Through Multimedia JASON and the New Argonauts	"A Product of Learning: King Middle School" "San Fernando Education Technology Team" "JASON Project"
Musical	Beyond Band: Music Technology Inspires Students The Power of Partnerships The Key Learning Community: Cultivating "Multiple Intelligences"	"Instruments of Learning: Bayshore" "The Children's Aid Society" "Key Learning Community"
Bodily/Kinesthetic	A New Way of Learning The Edible Schoolyard The Little School That Did A Change in Attitude	"Crash Course: South Grand Prairie High School" "The Edible Schoolyard: Martin Luther King Middle School" "Turning on the Switch: ASCEND School" "Harrison Central High School"
Naturalist	Swamped: Louisiana Students Become Wetlands Custodians Classrooms Without Boundaries March of the Monarchs	"Wetland Watchers" "West Hawaii Explorations Academy" "Journey North"
Interpersonal	South Grand Prairie: Where Relevance and Relationships Are Key New Technologies Link Ancient Cultures An Ounce of Prevention Reading, Writing, and Social Development	"Learning on Purpose" "First Peoples Project" "Resolving Conflict Creatively Program" "New Haven, Connecticut School District"
Intrapersonal	Students Who Know Their Own Minds We're Here to Raise Kids A+ for Empathy	"Knowing How You Learn: Schools Attuned Program" "Ben Franklin Middle School"

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