Here’s a nice collection of resources related to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. In addition to articles and title recommendations, the article also includes some brainstorming regarding how-to create a library that is “multiple intelligences friendly”.
The various intelligences identified by Gardner include verbal/linguistic, logical/mathematical, visual/spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. How do we address and capitalize on these varying intelligences when doing technology training? I’ve seen trainers experiment with varying degrees of success. One trainer tried playing music before class started and then during breaks. She said the response varied greatly from class to class. Some loved it and others didn’t even seem to notice it. I also remember a trainer who really worked to address the kinesthetic intelligence during class — by incorporating activities that required people to move around. The two that I think I am probably best at addressing are interpersonal (because I include lots of discussion sections and partner or small-group exercises) and verbal/linguistic (with handouts, tutorials, etc). How about you? What do you think you emphasize? Are there ways to incorporate all of the intelligences in one training session (or should that even be a goal)?
Brenda Hough 