Advances in Language and Literary Studies - Vol. 5 No. 5 - Why is an Application of Multiple Intelligences Theory Important for Language Learning and Teaching Speaking Ability?

Oct 15, 2026

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This article argues for a strong theoretical framework based on Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences (MI) for foreign language teaching, especially to support learners’ speaking ability. It synthesizes key MI elements for starting instruction and explains practical sequences and implications for classroom use. The eight-intelligence characteristics are presented, along with activity catering processes, and the article concludes with assessment approaches and sample MI-integrated lesson plan examples.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time11 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

The Feature of Multiple Intelligences Theory

Advances in Language and Literary Studies ISSN: 2203-4714 Vol. 5 No. 5; October 2014 Copyright © Australian International Academic Centre, Australia Why is an Application of Multiple Intelligences Theory Important for Language Learning and Teaching Speaking Ability? Malai Boonma Graduate School, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University 340 Suranarai Rd., Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand 30000 E-mail: [malai_de_dee@yahoo.co.th](malai_de_dee@yahoo.co.th) Malinee Phaiboonnugulkij Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University 340 Suranarai Rd., Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand 30000 [E-mail: malineerabit@hotmail.com](E-mail: malineerabit@hotmail.com) Doi:10.7575/aiac.alls.v.5n.5p. 162 URL: [http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.5n.5p.162](http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.5n.5p.162) Received: 18/07/2014 Accepted: 05/08/2014 Abstract This article calls for a strong need to propose the theoretical framework of the Multiple Intelligences theory (MI) and provide a suitable answer of the doubt in part of foreign language teaching. The article addresses the application of MI theory following various sources from Howard Gardner and the authors who revised this theory for using in the field of the English speaking improvement domain. In other word, this article combines and summarizes appropriate elements for the person on how to start teaching with this theory. The article also describes sequences and implication of the theory into practice. MI theory with the description of eight intelligences characteristic is presented. Following is the parts of activities catering and the processes of teaching with MI are provided. This article ends with the reviews of the ways for assessment and examples of lesson plan integrated with MI theory. Keywords: Multiple Intelligences, Speaking ability, Teaching Speaking 1. Introduction Almost educators in field of language teaching and learning today have stuck in the ways giving method for raising their learners ’ success. It is very difficult to define the activity of the lesson suitably the learners needs in learning class time as well. Therefore, they may be need time for depth study on the learners learning style that something involve in this progress. The number of research has offered various strategies or theory to lead them all, one is the Gardner’s theory. This theory is called “Multiple Intelligences” that the theoretical framework is defined in all different learning profile areas. The theory address on the difference of the intelligence a person is, that within a person there are at least eight intelligences from their birth although it express in strength and weakness domain. This theory is given the people being aware of their own ways to develop and respect within the personal profile that can be improved in any ways by practicing or doing. The theory is also good for the educators be aware of giving the material in teaching and learning that value for the learners to be gained the achievement effectively in domain. Garner (1983, 1999) claims that the people can improve their learning through at least eight views: Linguistic, Logic-Mathematical, Visual-Spatial, BodyKinesthetic, Music-Rhythmic, Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Naturalist. Accordingly, foreign language teachers can promote their learners by focusing into one or more of the intelligence that the learners will use most. In Gardner ’s list, it showed the importance of varied human intelligences, and all of the engagement of intelligences. Moreover, types of children obtaining knowledge enable teacher to use many activities to serve children with different kind of intelligence. The multiple intelligences theory guided a variety of teaching strategies which can be applied in the language classroom. Most importantly, this theory helps teacher to select effective teaching strategies that cater for their predominant (Campbell. 2008: 1

FAQs

What is the main purpose of applying Multiple Intelligences theory in foreign language teaching?

The article aims to propose a theoretical framework of MI and address doubts about how MI can be used in foreign language teaching to improve speaking ability. It also summarizes how to begin teaching with this theory and how it connects to practice.

How does the article describe intelligence within the Multiple Intelligences theory?

It states that intelligence is not limited to a single measurable score and that a person has at least eight intelligences from birth. These intelligences include linguistic, logic-mathematical, visual-spatial, body-kinesthetic, music-rhythmic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and naturalist.

What does the article include to support classroom implementation?

It presents the eight intelligences and provides activity and teaching processes tailored to MI. It further ends with assessment ways and examples of lesson plans integrated with MI.

Oct 15, 2026

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