There are so many natural connections between the MI theory and Arts Integration. Some of them are obvious when you consider some of the Smarts that are identified: music, kinesthetic, visual/spacial, linguistic. But the MI theory goes even further with the other Smarts: logical, naturalistic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. However, even these smarts are based on, and a product of an education embedded in the arts.
Example: Music listening, and music creation are very logical and mathematical. There are patterns and rhythms in what we hear and create. There are ratios of sound that make certain chords pleasing to the ear and others dissonant. We can also see mathematical concepts in art: shapes, patterns, etc. Example: Art reflects the world around us (as is all the arts). When we study visual art, we learn to see, really SEE, and observe our environments. Through the arts we interact with nature as well. Forming sculptures of trees, mimicking colours and shades of grass – these are ways nature affects the art we create.
Example: Interpersonal relationships are embedded in music and dance. When I drag out the bag of percussion instruments, my students’ faces light up and when we start playing – Woah! Community is being built! Each individual contributes to the whole, creating a fabulous piece of music. With partner and group dancing, the same is true. It is a wonderful thing to see a group of students working together to make an organized square dance happen flawlessly. And my personal favourite is the line dance or circle dance. These dances were made to bring people together, smile and enjoy each other.
Example: Art, being an expression of self is possibly the perfect intrapersonal activity. Many art forms can be done for the self: playing an instrument, singing, dancing, writing, painting, sketching, sculpting, observing. The arts are a venue for reflection and appreciation of your accomplishments, mistakes, failures, and successes.
The Multiple Intelligences can provide a wonderful way to embody an Arts Integration program that also fosters student autonomy. (Just always remember that you need to stay true to the art form when planning for true arts integration.)
MI theory:
- Allow students to realize their talents and intelligences:
- Teach the students what the intelligences are.
- Give them opportunities to explore them. (Choice time or structured lessons and activities)
- Give students autonomy to choose how to reflect and show what they have learned through the MIs.
- Crystallize, don’t paralyze their potential!
- Identifying students’ intelligences and needs as learners.
- Observe students as they work and play.
- Look at students’ misbehaviors as a cry for help. “I need to learn this way!”
- Go out of your comfort zone and provide opportunities to learn that are not your most-developed intelligence.
- Loose a little control and allow students more autonomy over their learning
