Metaphoric intelligence and foreign language learning
According to Gardner, there are eight types of intelligence (visual, verbal, mathematical, kinaesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, rhythmic) each of us possesses in various degrees. Are you sure you can explain their essence?
To know if you are right see the following text. Be ready to share and think which intelligences are vital in learning foreign languages and why; and what is metaphoric intelligence?
____ intelligence involves the ability to learn languages, sensitivity to spoken and written language, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. Students can be helped to develop ____ intelligence by working in a print rich environment in which there are things to look at, listen to and write about. They also benefit by having opportunities for peer and teacher-student interaction.
____ intelligence involves the ability to carry out mathematical operations, to analyse problems logically, and to investigate issues scientifically. ____ intelligence is the pattern-seeking intelligence. The first stage of the development of this intelligence is the manipulation of and play with a variety of concrete objects in the physical world. As it develops, this intelligence gets more abstract and can deal with more ephemeral mathematical concepts. This intelligence can be developed in the foreign language classroom by providing texts which manipulate and experiment with numbers, by employing a variety of computer programs and by thinking about cause and effect in texts.
____ intelligence entails skill in the performance, composition, and appreciation of musical patterns. Gardner points out that structurally, ____ intelligence is almost parallel to linguistic intelligence and therefore there is no reason why, if one is linguistically proficient, she is termed intelligent, whereas if one is musically proficient, he is termed talented. Teachers can help develop this intelligence by providing music, songs and poetry.
____ intelligence entails the ability to use one’s whole body or parts of the body to solve problems and to create products. People perform a wide variety of complex ____ tasks every day, but seldom give them a second thought. While dancers, actors and athletes are obviously endowed with this intelligence, it is also important to surgeons, scientists and mechanics. The ____ intelligence can be developed in the foreign language classroom through projects, movement and physical challenges.
____ intelligence is the potential to recognize and manipulate the patterns of wide space as well as the patterns of more confined areas. It includes the ability to sense form, space, colour, line and shape to graphically represent visual or spatial ideas. It deals both with things which exist in the concrete, external world which can be observed with one’s eyes, and also in the imagination where one sees with the mind’s eyes and includes the abilities to create or invent things which have never been done before. Charts and maps are two ways this intelligence can be developed. Teachers can further develop it by using interactive posters and bulletin boards.
_____ intelligence is the ability to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of another person and to have the capacity to work effectively with others. In his book, Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman theorised that one could succeed far more in life by having a high EQ rather than a high IQ. ____ intelligence can be developed by providing problem solving activities and opportunities to work together.
____ intelligence denotes the capacity to understand oneself – one’s strengths, weaknesses, moods, desires, and intentions. This involves awareness of understanding how one is similar or different from others and knowing how to handle one’s feelings so that one intuitively knows how to behave when feeling angry or sad. Teachers can help develop this intelligence by providing discussion questions in which learners can express their opinions and preferences. Helping the learners understand their own style of learning and type of intelligence will also develop it.
A ____ intelligence is the ability to recognise and classify plants, minerals and animals and all variety of flora and fauna. It is also the ability to recognise and classify cultural artefacts such as cars or designer jeans. Students can be helped develop this intelligence by learning about topics to do with flora and fauna. Providing classification activities, particularly those connected with nature, can also develop it.
