Tutoring and Multiple Intelligence

As a tutor it is important to understand Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence and how to accommodate students based on individual learning needs. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence has had a profound impact on education practices. This theory suggests that human’s have several areas of intelligence. Tutors can capitalize on this theory by employing divergent learning styles based on multiple intelligence. The first two learning styles are typically the most valued, the next three are associated with the fine arts, and the last two are deemed personal intelligence.

Linguistic intelligence involves the use of spoken and written language and the student’s ability to use language to achieve learning goals. Linguistic intelligence is easy to accommodate while tutoring as it involves the use of traditional teaching methods such as lecturing and note taking. Tutors can accommodate students possessing a great degree of linguistic intelligence using rhetoric during tutorials and having students take notes. Gardner sees writers, poets, lawyers, and speakers, as having high linguistic intelligence.

Logical-mathematical intelligence involves the capacity a student has to analyze problems, solve operations, and employ the scientific method. Students who are intelligent in this area easily detect patterns and think logically. Students who learn best this way can be coached by their tutor to become critical thinkers. This type of student also learns best when given strategies to solve problems such as a sequence of questions to ask or steps to follow when solving a problem. Gardner often associated this kind of intelligence with scientific and mathematical thinking.

Musical intelligence involves the performance, composition, and importance of musician patterns. Students possessing a great degree of musical intelligence often take notice of tones, pitches, and rhythms more easily than peers. This type of learner can be accommodated while tutoring through the use of short poems and rhymes. A perfect example of this is how most students learn the alphabet. Traditionally when learning the alphabet students are taught by song. When asked to recite the alphabet most students usually do this rhythmatically. Accommodating students with a high degree of musical intelligence can be challenging. Tutors that are able to incorporate musical intelligence into regular tutorials will find that learning benefits the student obtains far outweighs the challenge.

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence involves the use of mental abilities to coordinate bodily movements. Students with a high degree of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are gifted in movement acquisition. These students can learn the sequence of a new dance or acquire a new athletic skill more easily then their peers. Incorporating bodily-kinesthetic intelligence during regular tutorials can quit easy. This type of student can benefit from using manipulatives when learning. For example, math tutors can use tiles, blocks, trading chips, and cubes during regular math tutorials. Student with a great degree of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence learn best hands on.

Spatial intelligence involves the ability to represent the spatial world internally with the mind’s eye. Students possessing a high degree of spatial intelligence are typically good with activities such as puzzle building and sculpting. Typical careers for someone who has a high degree of special intelligence would be as an architect, designer, or artist. One strategy tutors can use to accommodate students with a high degree of spatial intelligence is through the use of maps. For example, English tutors can use maps to help students indentify the setting in the story and physics tutors can use a Cartesian coordinate system as a compass when studying vectors.

Interpersonal intelligence involves being able to understand the motivations, intentions, and desires of other people. Those that posses a high level of interpersonal intelligence work effectively with others. Educators, counselors, coaches, religious and political leaders require a high level of interpersonal intelligence in order to be successful. When tutors work with students having a great degree of interpersonal intelligence students should be encouraged to verbally communicate as often as possible during a tutorial. This helps to engage the student interest while at the same time allowing the tutor to assess the student level of knowledge. Students possessing a high level of interpersonal intelligence have an ability to communicate their needs better then peers.

Intrapersonal intelligence involves the student’s ability to understand oneself and know their fears, motivations, and feelings. Quite often this type of student prefers to work alone and may appear to be introverted. Such students are aware of their goals and have an innate understanding of what they need. Tutors can accommodate these students by having them take ownership of their learning. Students can be encouraged to establish learning goals for themselves as they are already intrinsically motivated. Tutors can also encourage this type of student to journal learning activities. After each tutorial the student can reflect on what they learned and journal their thoughts. This journal can later be used by the tutor as a method of assessment.