Learning and Teaching EFL through Multiple Intelligences Theory

Abstract

According to Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences, every human being possesses distinct and independent intelligences (Gardner, 1983). The aim of this study then is to raise awareness of different learning styles and teaching strategies and fostering an understanding of MI theory because it is very important for EFL teachers to be aware of and know their learners’ potentials in order to respond to each student’s MI profile and promote his/her strengths. This study examined the predominant intelligences and learning styles of Algerian secondary school students through the use of McKenzie's (1999) multiple intelligences inventory and its relationship to the frequency of selected teaching activities used in the EFL classroom which was achieved through teachers’ interview at Abdelbaki Ben Ziane Chouaai Secondary- School. The data collected were analyzed to establish the degree of correlation between the multiple intelligence profiles of the EFL students and the preferred language learning activities used by the teacher. Therefore, the teaching techniques and strategies used by the EFL teachers were examined in light of the multiple intelligence profiles of the students with the aim of aiding teachers to have awareness about the learners’ diverse intelligence, strengths and styles and realize to what extent these styles are addressed in the foreign language classrooms. In addition to , this study is an attempt to analyze how the MI theory and EFL can be combined in order help Algerian secondary school students to learn English in their preferred way maximizing the possibilities of success.