International English Multiple Intelligence Theory and Foreign Language Learning: a brain-based Perspective

MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES AND LEARNING 
1.1. Learner diversity 
Traditionally, whether in an explicit or implicit manner, many learning contexts 
organized and many teachers 
taught as if 
learners were the same. One of the most 
significant advances in education in the 
decades of the twentieth century has come from a 
considerable amount of research done in the area of learning styles which recognizes that the 
students in our classrooms 
greatly different learning profiles. 
(1999: 301) lists 
of the dimensions which 
investigated in the area of language learning; 
intelligences, perceptual learning styles, 
analyticlglobal learning 
styles and 
impulsive learning styles. She mentions 
of the benefits of increasing 
learners' awareness of their own learning styles: "higher interest and motivation in the learning 
process, increased student responsibility for their own learning, and greater classroom 
These are affective changes, and the changes 
resulted 
more effective 
learning" 
1999: 300). 
Gardner's research has shown that human cognitive ability is pluralistic rather than 
Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad de Murcia. 
rights reserved. 
vol. 
4 
2004, pp. 19- 136 

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Theory and Foreign 
Learning 
unitary and that leamers of any subject 
make greater progress if they 
the opportunity 
to use their 
of strength to master the necessary material. He 
that teachers use 
a wide variety of ways to 
with the subject 
"genuine understanding is most likely 
to emerge and be apparent to others 
... 
if people possess a number of ways of representing 
knowledge of a concept or 
and can move readily back and forth among these forms" 
(Gardner. 199 
: 
13).