Using Multiple Intelligences Approach in Designing Classroom Activities

In 1983, Horward Gardner, a professor of education at Harvard Universiy introduced the theory of Multiple Intelligence. This theory states that people have a unique blend of capabilities and skills （intelligences）. In the classroom context, it implies that students possess different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember, perform, and understand in different ways. Based on the theory, Gardner challenged the previous practices that gauged intelligence using IQ test which focused more on the ability to use language and/or logic. According to him, the measurement of people＇s intelligence should not be limited to linguistic and logical-mathematical abilities only, but should also cover other abilities. In addition to language and logic, Gardner proposed six other intelligences, which in the past were known as aptitudes or interests, namely： Visual-Spatial Intelligence, Musical Intelligence, Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence, Intrapersonal Intelligence, Interpersonal Intelligence, and Naturalist Intelligence. As an English teacher, we often have to deal with the fact that our classes consist of students who posses different intelligences. To help the students reach their maximum learning potential, teacher needs to respect students＇ uniqueness and accommodate the variety of intelligences. This can be done by applying multiple intelligences approach in designing classroom activities.

Study on classroom activities in children English class

Though classroom activities in children English class have been studied by many scholars, there is a lack of real class investigation and analysis on this subject. Combining the observations of classroom activities in a real children English class with the interviews with the child students and the teacher in that class, this paper presents various classroom activities used in real children English class. Among all the activities of greetings and free conversations, guessing new words, pair or group work, games, songs, chants, making stories and competition, child students prefer games, role play, making stories, and competitions, in which children can take the initiatives; while the teacher favors greetings, guessing new words, role play, and group work. The problem of the activities that children students like the most is that they may cause some disturbance in class. To solve this problem, the author thinks that these activities are better to be put at the end of the class.

Chunk approach for English teaching

This paper suggests a chunk approach to solve the plateau problem among advanced English learners. The paper first discusses the extant problems and then provides a definition of the chunk approach. Based on some research results in cognitive psychology, it analyses the important role that chunks play in language acquisition and production and thus provides a cognitive foundation for implementing the chunk approach in English teaching. The paper also offers a set of classroom activities which can be easily adopted or adapted by other teachers.

On methods of ＂dual-way enjoyable teaching＂ of College English

English teaching in big classes, for Chinese college students, is the main channel to learn and practice English. In the process of a successful classroom teaching, students and teachers are required to cooperate with each other and mutually complete teaching activities in an enjoyable and harmonious atmosphere. This paper analyzes the current situation of College English teaching in China, and discusses the application of the methodology of ＂dual-way enjoyable teaching＂ in big classes, indicating that the classroom activities should be designed to enliven the class atmosphere, which is also the effective way to realize the aim of enjoyable teaching and enjoyable learning.

English newspapers and magazines and the teaching of College English

Reading English newspapers and magazines is an effective way to help the students get the latest information worldwide and improve English levels. The present article first analyzes the features of the English newspapers and magazines and then proposes making good use of them through such classroom activities as discussing the hot issue and role-playing to provide more authentic situations in which the students can have chances to practice four English skills, achieving the ideal teaching result.

On multi-role effects of teachers in College English teaching

The paper first introduces the multi-roles of College English teachers, from the knowledge instillers to the designers and organizers of classroom activities, the participants of learning English, information counselors and emotional supporters, and the models of morality. Based on this, the paper makes a detailed analysis of the multi-role effects which can not only stimulate students＇ creativity and improve their self-learning ability, but also adapt to the reform of College English teaching.

WRITING THROUGH ACTIVITIES

Enlightened by Politzer's (1972) assertion that 'language materials must be presented in spoken form before they are introduced in written form'(Els et al. 1984:256), the author of this paper holds that speaking is likely to be in the juxtaposition of reading in its contribution to better English writing. Course investigation of learners needs reveals their strong wish to improve English writing and classroom atmosphere. 113 sophomores were involved in a series of classroom activities forming the preparing stage for English writing. The variety of activities offers a large platform for the participants to share opinions and exchange information. The investigations of learners' attitudes carried out during the program towards each activity show their preferences concerning majors. [HJ][WTH3]