Paige Lee

Multiple Intelligences The theory of Multiple Intelligences stems from the underlying notion of different areas of aptitudes and strengths within people’s personalities. This theory pertains to an educational model that measure seven different areas of “intelligence.” Popularized by psychologies Howard Gardner, this methodology allows what he refers to as “individual centered” curriculum within schools. In other words, schools could focus on what needs the students had rather than a broad general curriculum across the board. Many have criticised this methodology for abandoning previously held empirical methodologies. This methodology, claimed by critics, was based on intuition rather than empirical data; thus, making it an inconsistent and unreliable method. Apart from the...  [Read more]

Computer Aided Language Learning With the advent of the internet and its increasing importance in the classroom, Computer Aided Language Learning, or CALL, has become a viable and useful source for both teachers and students. CALL first became prevalent in US classrooms in the late 1070’s. Since its introduction it has gone from a primitive, structured Q&A program, to full-fledged language programs such as Rosetta stone. Although programs like Rosetta Stone have experienced success, many experts believe that CALL should be used to augment rather than replace face-to-face learning environments. This was one of the big questions facing ESL teachers in the late 90s, how to integrate CALL and its resulting technological concerns successfully into the classroom. Such things as whether an...  [Read more]

Teaching Styles We all learn in different ways, and similarly, as teachers we tend to have different ways of teaching which come more naturally for us. As teachers, we need to be aware of what our particular style is, but we should then try to adapt the way we teach to fit the needs of our students as well. There are many different categorizations of teaching styles, but rather than discuss the ways styles are categorized, I will simply summarize the ones most commonly referred to. Probably the most traditional one is the direct instruction style. Direct instruction is very teacher-centered, and provides for little if any student-teacher interaction or group interaction. The teacher is the focus of attention and provides all the information necessary for the student to excel in...  [Read more]