

Type of Document Master's Thesis Author Mehta, Sonia R. Author's Email Address smehta@vt.edu URN etd-05032002-161255 Title Multiple Intelligences and how Children Learn: An Investigation in one Preschool Classroom Degree Master of Science Department Human Development Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title Fu, Victoria R. Committee Chair Hill, Lynn T. Committee Member Stremmel, Andrew J. Committee Member Keywords
- young children
- preschool children
- Reggio Emilia approach
- profiling
- intelligence profiles
- learning styles
Date of Defense 2002-04-15 Availability unrestricted Abstract The purpose of this study was to gain understanding of how children learn when they are engaged in child initiated, teacher guided activities. Specifically, children's learning processes were documented and interpreted based on how they use their multiple intelligences. Multiple Intelligences refers to Howard Gardner's model of multiple intelligences and his view of how children have many cognitive strengths. Ethnographic methodologies were used to observe, document, and interpret children's behaviors and interactions in the classroom. Seven children were chosen to be focused on for this study out of 15 participants in one preschool classroom at a university Child Development Laboratory setting. The researcher has been the head teacher for these 7 children for two years, which allowed the researcher to gain a better understanding of children’s different intelligences and different ways of learning.
After collecting and analyzing the data, the researcher found that the children's propensities for learning remained fairly consistent over the course of two years. It became evident that the role of the teacher is very important, as the teacher must be an intimate observer and listener of the children. Teachers and educators should be in constant communication with parents and each other about the child's growth and development and tendencies for learning. By providing children with learning opportunities for the child to use their cognitive strengths, teachers are motivating children and encouraging them to learn. If children see that they can succeed, they may continuously have the motivation to learn.
Files
Filename Size Approximate Download Time (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
28.8 Modem 56K Modem ISDN (64 Kb) ISDN (128 Kb) Higher-speed Access Sonia_Thesis.pdf 7.55 Mb 00:34:55 00:17:57 00:15:43 00:07:51 00:00:40
If you have questions or technical problems, please Contact DLA.