Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

I found that my strongest intelligence is existential intelligence according to the MI inventory from surf aquarium. Two of the core characteristics from that intelligence include collective consciousness and intuitive iteration. I chose to write about these two core characteristics because I identify with them the most. According to surf aquarium, collective consciousness is the capability to see how something relates to the big picture. This describes the way I think very accurately. For example, when reading a book chapter for a class, I like to write down all the points I believe to be important so I can look at what the chapter's main message is overall. Intuitive iteration is the responsiveness to the intangible qualitites of being human, be it responding to the arts, philosphical virtues or religious tenets. This describes me in a lot of ways because I am very much a person who has great appreciation for the arts but I'm also a person who loves to question everything! Reading about different philosophical ideas and beliefs from around the world has always been an intriguing concept for me.
Understanding how students relate to certain intelligences is important because it helps the teacher to build the curriculum in ways that will enhance student learning and comprehension in the classroom. Students with a strong existential intelligence will look connections across the curriculum and enjoy literature and customs from other cultures. Knowing this will help a teacher to learn more about their students and to also learn how to adapt the school curriculum for students who learn best through different multiple intelligences.
There needs to be support for the multiple intelligences in the classroom in order to enhance student learning in the classroom. Existentially intelligent students can be supported by being offered an overview before starting a new instruction and by considering topics from multiple points of view. Some other ways existential intelligence can be supported in the classroom is by discussing how topics are important to the classroom, school, community, or world and by integrating your instruction across the curriculum. In my classroom, I might incorporate the learning of different cultures to concepts taught in class. Through this support, students will gain and improve knowledge in the classroom that they may otherwise not have developed.
As technologies are becoming increasingly important in learning within the school classroom, there are also many ways existential learners can be supported through technology. Virtual art exhibits, classic literature, stage drama, and blogs are some of the ways students with this intelligence can use to improve their learning. Teachers should try and incorporate some of these technological techniques in the classroom to support and stimulate the existential learner. Supporting the students technologically through different learning styles will encourage the students to be more engaged in the learning process and to also understand and learn in ways that will sustain the knowledge taught.
Multiple intelligences can impact student learning in the classroom in many ways. For example, when teachers integrate supportive techniques to improve student learning through multiple intelligences, this will assist the students by learning in ways that come natural to the brain. This will create more time in the classroom to learn more things in a deeper understanding because it may not take as long for the students to grasp concepts taught in class. If the students are learning in a way that is natural for the brain, than it takes a lot of stress off of the whole learning process altogether. It's important for teachers to understand that each student may learn in different ways and through different techniques because not everyone is the same. Although it may be tedious and difficult to integrate multiple intelligence support techniques into the classroom, understanding this idea will not only create closer connections between the teacher and the students but it will also create a better learning environment for those who will benefit.