by Michael X

Created on: March 20, 2008   Last Updated: January 07, 2012

English is still the international language worldwide, and thus, millions of people around the world need to learn it. Teaching another language isn't an easy job and not all teachers are perfectly qualified to teach. It's more like a challenge and we, English teachers, have to win this challenge.

English, like other languages, consists of 4 main skills (Grammar, Reading, Writing, Listening & Conversation). Each one of these skills needs its own teaching methodology to help the student master it. When teaching one skill, focus on it and ignore the others.

Teachers should also put in mind that students have different personalities. This means that they have different ways, according to their intelligence points, to receive or comprehend the information sent to them. An educational theory called MI "Multiple Intelligence", first developed by the psychologist Howard Gardner, shows these points and how to deal with each one. The old school system focuses on the verbal/linguistic and logical/mathematical intelligence only. But Mr. Gardner says that there are other kinds of intelligence that teachers should also focus on.
Now, let's go through each one:

1. Kinesthetic (Bodily Intelligence):
Which is about interaction with the environment and having the ability to control one's body movements.

These kinds of students are typically good at:

• Sports.
• Acting.
• Using body language.

They tend to learn best through:

• Physical activities.
• Playing with blocks.
• Participating.

2. Interpersonal Intelligence:
Interpersonal is interaction with others and working collaboratively.

They are typically good at:

• Discussion.
• Group projects.

They tend to learn best through:

• Cooperative games.
• Role-playing.
• Team work.

3. Intra-personal Intelligence:
Focuses on feelings, values and attitudes. It is the ability to understand one's inner feelings, goals and ideas.

They are typically good at:

• Writing (poetry).
• Independence exercise. (workbook).
• Speaking, Describing feelings about a subject.

They tend to learn best through:

• Working alone.
• Evaluating their own works.

4. Logical (Mathematical Intelligence):
Focuses on reasoning and problem solving and the ability to use reason, logic and numbers.

They are typically good at:

• Logical thinking.
• Number and computing skills.
• Connecting information.

They tend to learn best by:

• Asking a lot of questions.
• Do experiments.
• Use mathematical symbols.

5. Rhythmic (Musical Intelligence):
The sound, patterning and the ability to understand through music and rhythm.

They are typically good at:

• Listing.
• Recognizing tonal patterns.
• Remembering vocabulary melody.

They tend to learn best through:

• Singing new information.
• Listening to a variety of recordings.

6. Linguistic (Verbal Intelligence):
The ability to use spoken and written words.

They are typically good at:

• Reading & Writing.
• Telling stories.
• Memorizing words.

They tend to learn best by:

• Reading.
• Listening to lectures and Taking notes.
• Discussion.

7. Visual Intelligence:
The ability to perceive the visual. And it focuses on seeing and imagining.

They are typically good at:

• Reading & writing.
• Understanding charts.
• Giving direction.

They tend to learn best by:

• Sketch.
• Painting.
• Creating visual metaphors.

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