MIRS
Multiple Intelligence Research Study
Background Information
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Mathematical Linguistic Kinesthetic Spatial
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Dr. Haley's interest in the Theory of Multiple
Intelligences was inspired by a keynote address given by Howard Gardner
in 1998. Convinced that MI Theory could be effectively applied in
foreign and second language instruction, Dr. Haley initiated plans for
a research study in secondary classrooms. This study is one of the
first to investigate the impact of MI activities on student achievement
and motivation in FL and ESL classes.
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| Dr. Haley is a textbook author and a frequent
presenter at national and state conferences. She organized the Best Practices in Foreign Language Teaching Conferences at GMU with a multiple intelligences theme in 1999 and 2000. Dr. Haley launched the MI Research Study to learn more about the effects of learner-centered instruction that integrates MI Theory into language learning environments. |
The
purpose of the MI Research Study is to identify, document, and promote
effective applications of the MI Theory in educational settings. This
research project provides support for teachers as they develop and
implement innovative instructional and assessment strategies aligned
with the Multiple Intelligences Theory.
According to Gardner's
Theory, humans possess at least eight intelligences. Human potential
includes spatial, musical, kinesthetic, naturalist, interpersonal, and
intrapersonal intelligences, in addition to the verbal-linguistic and
logical-mathematical intelligences, which are traditionally emphasized
in U.S. schools. Dr. Haley's research aims to monitor the impact of the
application of the MI Theory on instructional pratices, classroom
assessment, and student achievement.
The research questions are:
- How do teachers use the MI Survey to inform instructional strategies and alternative forms of assessment?
- In what ways do teachers apply MI Theory in foreign and second language classrooms?
- How effective is the application of MI strategies in FL and ESL classes?
- How can the MI Theory inform and improve foreign and second language learning?