Asking Key MI Questions
Questions will help you look at the possibilities for involving as many intelligences as possible into a lesson or unit. The answers to the questions should stimulate brainstorm ideas for integrating activities into your plan in order to include a variety of the multiple intelligences.
Linguistic:
- How can I use the spoken or written word?
- How can I get all the students involved in reading in front of the class?
- How can I incorporate a reflective journal?
- How can I incorporate opportunity for discussion?
- How can I give opportunity for expansion of vocabulary?
Logical-Mathematical:
- How can I bring in numbers, calculations, logic, classifications, or critical thinking?
- How can I get the students to logically solve problems?
- How can I integrate computers/technology into this lesson?
- How can I integrate math into this lesson?
- How can I make math fun? (To help them learn it, not just regurgitate it?)
- Given the information, can you analyze the data?
Visual-Spatial:
- How can I use visual aids, visualization, color, art, metaphor, or visual organizers?
- How can I get the students to participate in the “show & tell” of the lesson?
- How can I get students to create visual representations for this lesson? Could I have students visually show they understand the targeted objective?
Musical-Rhythmic:
- How can I bring in music or environmental sound, or set key points in a rhythm or melody?
- Would putting this concept to music help students retain the information? Is there a piece of music that the concept could be put to enhance learning?
- Would putting this subject to music make it more interesting or help students relate to it better?
Bodily-Kinesthetic:
- How can I involve the whole body, or hands-on experiences?
- Is there something I can add to this lesson to give the students some kind of kinesthetic experience in meeting the objectives?
Interpersonal:
- How can I engage students in peer or cross-age sharing, cooperative learning, or large-group simulation?
- Can I think of ways to get my students to share their personal experiences in groups and How?
- How can I get my students to share and appreciate each others’ differences?
Intrapersonal:
- How can I evoke personal feelings or memories, or give students choices?
- How can I get students to self evaluate their progress towards the objectives?
Naturalistic:
- How can I include observing, understanding, and organizing patterns in the natural environment?