TSLB 3073

TEACHING READING AND

WRITING SKILLS IN THE
PRIMARY ESL CLASSROM
P R E P A R E D B Y,
AHMAD AMINUDDIN, GENEVIEVE & MOHD NUR HIFZHAN
P I S M P T E S L J U N E 2 0 1 5 I N TA K E

H O WA R D
GARDNER

MULTIPLE
INTELLIGENCES

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Howard Gardner of Harvard has identified seven distinct intelligences. This

theory has emerged from recent cognitive research and "documents the extent to
which students possess different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember,
perform, and understand in different ways," according to Gardner (1991). According
to thistheory, "we are all able to know the world through language, logicalmathematical analysis, spatial representation, musical thinking, the use of the body
to solve problems or to make things, an understanding of other individuals, and an
understanding of ourselves. Where individuals differ is in the strength of these
intelligences - the so-called profile of intelligences -and in the ways in which such
intelligences are invoked and combined to carry out different tasks, solve diverse
problems, and progress in various domains."
Gardner says that these differences "challenge an educational system that
assumes that everyone can learn the same materials in the same way and that a
uniform, universal measure suffices to test student learning. Indeed, as currently
constituted, our educational system is heavily biased toward linguistic modes of
instruction and assessment and, to a somewhat lesser degree, toward logicalquantitative modes as well." Gardner argues that "a contrasting set of assumptions
is more likely to be educationally effective. Students learn in ways that are
identifiably distinctive. The broad spectrum of students - and perhaps the society as
a whole - would be better served if disciplines could be presented in a numbers of

VISUAL SPATIAL
Think in terms of physical space, as do
architects and sailors. Very aware of their
environments. They like to draw, do jigsaw
puzzles, read maps, daydream. They can
be taught through drawings, verbal and
physical imagery. Tools include models,
graphics, charts, photographs, drawings, 3D modeling, video, videoconferencing,
television, multimedia, texts with

MUSICAL
Show sensitivity to rhythm and sound. They love
music, but they are also sensitive to sounds in their
environments. They may study better with music in
the background. They can be taught by turning
lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically, tapping
out time. Tools include musical instruments, music,
radio, stereo, CD-ROM, multimedia.

LINGUISTIC
using words effectively. These learners
have highly developed auditory skills and
often think in words. They like reading,
playing word games, making up poetry or
stories. They can be taught by
encouraging them to say and see words,
read books together. Tools include
computers, games, multimedia, books,
tape recorders, and lecture.

LOGICAL/MATHEMATICAL

Use oflogicand mathematical models to

represent and work with ideas.
Grammar analysis falls into this type of
learning style. Many teachers feel that English
teaching syllabi are too loaded towards
grammar analysis which has little to do with
communicative ability. Nonetheless, using a
balanced approach, grammar analysis has it's
place in the classroom. Unfortunately, because
of certain standardized teaching practices, this
type of teaching sometimes tends to dominate

INTRAPERSONAL
Learning through self-knowledge leading to
understanding of motives, goals, strengths and
weaknesses.
This intelligence is essential for long-term English
learning. Students who are aware of these types
of issues will be able to deal with underlying
issues that can improve or hamper English usage

INTERPERSONAL
Ability to get along with others, work with others
to accomplish tasks.
Group learning is based on interpersonal skills.
Not only do students learn while speaking to
others
in
an
"authentic"
setting,
they
developEnglish speaking skillswhile reacting to
others. Obviously, not all learners have excellent
interpersonal skills. For this reason, group work
needs to balanced with other activities.

KINAESTHETIC

P E O P L E W I T H K I N A E S T H E T I C I N T E L L I G E N C E LOV E M OV E M E N T. T H E Y
E N J OY S P O RT S A N D / O R D A N C E . T H E Y A R E G O O D AT B U I L D I N G T H I N G S
A N D L I K E T O S TAY A C T I V E . T H E Y H AV E G O O D M O T O R S K I L L S A N D
A R E V E RY AWA R E O F T H E I R B O D I E S . T H E Y L E A R N B E S T T H R O U G H
M OV E M E N T A N D E X P E R I M E N TAT I O N .

Common Characteristics

Learns by "doing"

Would rather touch than just look

Athlete

Well-coordinated with good motor skills

Dancer

Likes figuring out how things work

Mechanic

Enjoys the outdoors

Actor/actress

Likes to work with hands

Performer

Can't sit still for too long

Physical Education Instructor

Enjoys sports and exhilarating experiences

Craftsman

Likes to be active

Has a lot of physical energy

Athletic

Career Matches

N ATU R A L I S T I C
T H E N AT U R A L I S T I N T E L L I G E N C E H A S T O D O W I T H H O W W E R E L AT E T O O U R
S U R R O U N D I N G S A N D W H E R E W E F I T I N T O I T. P E O P L E W I T H N AT U R A L I S T
I N T E L L I G E N C E H AV E A S E N S I T I V I T Y T O A N D A P P R E C I AT I O N F O R N AT U R E .
T H E Y A R E G I F T E D AT N U RT U R I N G A N D G R O W I N G T H I N G S A S W E L L A S T H E
A B I L I T Y T O C A R E F O R A N D I N T E R A C T W I T H A N I M A L S . T H E Y C A N E A S I LY
D I S T I N G U I S H PAT T E R N S I N N AT U R E .
N O T E T H AT T H I S I N T E L L I G E N C E I S T H E N E W E S T A D D E D T O T H E T H E O RY O F
M U LT I P L E I N T E L L I G E N C E S A N D I S O F T E N C R I T I C I Z E D A S B E I N G A N
I N T E R E S T R AT H E R T H A N A N I N T E L L I G E N Career
CE.
Matches

Conservationist
Common Characteristics

Gardener

Bothered by pollution

Enjoys having pets

Likes to learn about nature

Animal Trainer

Enjoys gardening

Park Ranger

Appreciates scenic places

Feels alive when in contact with nature

Likes to camp, hike, walk and climb

Botanist

Notices nature above all other things

Zookeeper

Conscious of changes in weather

Farmer

Scientist

Geologist