Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences reshaped education by emphasizing that intelligence extends beyond traditional linguistic and logical skills. Yet, many educators and psychologists have proposed additional intelligence types that reflect modern needs and personal strengths, often overlooked in conventional teaching. For TESOL teachers, recognizing these expanded intelligences can enhance language teaching by engaging students in new, meaningful ways.
This article introduces five alternative intelligences beyond Gardner’s original theory and provides practical TESOL activities to engage these strengths in the classroom.
1. Existential Intelligence
Definition: Existential intelligence refers to the capacity to explore and question concepts of existence, purpose, and meaning. Those with high existential intelligence often ponder life’s “big questions,” such as identity, ethics, and values, making them naturally curious and introspective.
Teaching Approach: For TESOL teachers, incorporating existential intelligence involves discussions that allow students to explore concepts of identity, culture, and morality in English. This not only builds language skills but also fosters a deeper connection to the language by discussing meaningful topics.
- Activity: Cultural Comparisons
Ask students to research and present on a topic like cultural customs, beliefs, or traditions that reflect values from different cultures. In small groups, they can discuss similarities and differences, fostering both language skills and critical thinking. - Activity: Reflective Writing on Identity
Have students write a short essay or reflection on questions like “What makes me unique?” or “What values are important to me?” This encourages students to think deeply while practicing English writing skills.
2. Humor Intelligence
Definition: Humor intelligence, often unacknowledged in formal education, is the ability to perceive, create, and appreciate humor. Those with high humor intelligence are skilled at recognizing wordplay, understanding timing, and creating rapport through laughter.
Teaching Approach: Humor can make language learning more enjoyable and memorable. Incorporate humor through language games, puns, and comedic content to encourage relaxed communication, which often reduces anxiety and boosts confidence in language use.
- Activity: Pun and Joke Practice
Introduce simple English puns and jokes, explaining the wordplay behind them. Encourage students to create their own puns in English. This activity builds vocabulary and demonstrates the nuances of word meanings. - Activity: Comic Strip Creation
Have students create comic strips using English dialogue. Each group can brainstorm a simple, humorous scenario, then illustrate it with captions. This activity allows them to practice dialogue in a fun, creative context.
3. Digital Intelligence
Definition: Digital intelligence is the ability to navigate, create, and manage information in digital environments effectively. As technology increasingly shapes communication, students with high digital intelligence adapt quickly to new tools and technologies.
Teaching Approach: TESOL teachers can engage digital intelligence by incorporating technology into language lessons, using apps, online tools, and virtual platforms for language practice.
- Activity: Digital Scavenger Hunt
Create a digital scavenger hunt where students must find information online, practice digital research skills, and present findings in English. This activity builds both language and digital literacy. - Activity: Social Media Profiles in English
Have students create fictional social media profiles for imaginary characters, using English for descriptions, posts, and comments. This allows them to practice language authentically while navigating digital platforms.
4. Emotional Intelligence
Definition: Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and empathize with others. Students with high emotional intelligence often excel in social interactions and communication, making them well-suited to group activities and discussions.
Teaching Approach: Teaching with emotional intelligence involves helping students understand their emotions, recognize tone, and practice empathy in communication.
- Activity: Role-Play with Emotion
Use role-playing exercises that explore different emotions, such as frustration, happiness, or excitement. Students practice conveying these emotions through tone, facial expressions, and language, building both language and emotional awareness. - Activity: Empathy Interviews
Pair students to interview each other on topics like “What makes you happy?” or “Describe a challenge you’ve overcome.” This activity builds emotional awareness, listening skills, and vocabulary related to feelings and personal experiences.
5. Sensory Intelligence
Definition: Sensory intelligence is the heightened awareness and sensitivity to sensory input, such as sounds, textures, or visuals. Students with strong sensory intelligence respond well to tactile, auditory, and visual learning materials.
Teaching Approach: Sensory-rich activities cater to this intelligence by incorporating materials that engage sight, sound, touch, and even smell or taste, creating a dynamic language learning experience.
- Activity: Describe the Sound
Play different sounds (e.g., birds chirping, waves crashing, a busy street) and ask students to describe what they hear. This exercise enhances vocabulary for sensory descriptions and introduces students to descriptive language. - Activity: Tactile Vocabulary
Bring objects into the classroom (e.g., soft fabric, smooth stone, textured sponge) and ask students to describe them using sensory adjectives. This helps students learn descriptive words and express sensory experiences in English.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating a wider range of intelligences in TESOL instruction recognizes that students learn in diverse ways and may excel in areas that are often overlooked. From existential reflection to sensory engagement, these expanded intelligences provide fresh perspectives on how students can learn language meaningfully. By embracing these intelligences, TESOL teachers can create a more inclusive and dynamic classroom where every student’s strengths are acknowledged and valued, fostering a richer language-learning experience.
