What You’ll Learn in a Master’s Education with Multiple Intelligences Theory Concentration Program
Having a Master’s in Education with Multiple Intelligences Theory Concentration has given me perspective on how to make deeper connections with my students. If you choose this path of study, one of the first courses you will take delves into the theory and scientific research behind Howard Gardner’s philosophies. Multiple Intelligence Theory aided in understanding my own successes and failures in school as a student. This knowledge will help you to discover a multitude of ways to assess your students through a variety of intelligences. It may surprise you how much your students are learning when you can see their growth in modalities you had never considered.
In conjunction with theory and research courses, the program will also provide enriching experiences in each intelligence. There you may begin to discover which intelligences you have strong connections with and which you may shy away from. The program is designed to increase your comfortability with each area so that you can provide opportunities for your students to succeed even if it is not your strength.
This is where the remainder of the program guides you in a very unique way. Each course is designed to challenge you in all eight intelligences, sometimes covering one intelligence multiple times. Through each unit of study, you will be encouraged to implement your learning right away, whether it be in your own classroom or in front of your peers. You may also be surprised at the equal value your cohort will bring to your learning. Not enough can be said about the magic that comes from a group of students who are challenged in such a wide variety of intelligences. We did everything, including dance, acting, performing music, composing poetry, writing stories, giving speeches, reading, watching, listening, creating art, discovering museums, presenting through new technologies, and much more. Of course, we were all a little timid to try out tasks that were our weaknesses, but the momentum and positivity of the group quickly grew to eliminate this fear.
This program attracts people with many different experiences, which turned out to be wonderfully enriching all on its own. The people in my cohort stayed with me throughout the entire program, which meant that even though the professors changed every eight weeks, we had the continuity of our classroom culture. I connected with colleagues across the state through many different grade levels and disciplines. We had Pre-K through high school represented, music, art, special education, STEAM, math, English, general education, and more.
Our professors also came with a variety of experiences. They showed me how I could teach more through my own specific subject without compromising the integrity of my curriculum. What I learned from my peers and professors was an irreplaceable experience, and it would not have happened had it not been for the program and all of the positive challenges it presented.
Due to the uniqueness of each cohort of peers, it is hard to say exactly what you will learn in the multiple intelligences theory concentration program outside of the defined curriculum, because each peer will bring their own perspectives. Your collaboration skills will increase, and you will certainly be pushed out of your comfort zone in an amazing way. I went in expecting to learn about many different intelligences but left learning many things I never thought would have been included. You will be challenged mentally and emotionally, from the time spent learning with the musician and inspirational speaker Samite to the times we discussed The Shame of the Nation by Jonathon Kozol.
Career Opportunities and Outcomes
Having this degree has opened up opportunities to collaborate with many different teachers in my own district, and it gave me a level of understanding of how the intelligences can be connected. If you are looking for a career after completing this program, education is the most logical path. Employers will favor your potential to teach beyond what your job description outlines and be an integral team player in any school system. The beauty of this program is that it can benefit any educator, of any level, of any subject. In fact, it would be ideal if every school’s faculty members had at least some exposure to the skills that can be gained in this program.
Other Advantages of an Education with Multiple Intelligences Theory Concentration Degree
Through my experience, I have shared ideas with my students and colleagues that have inspired them to consider the eight intelligences in their own practices. The unique perspective I can now provide enriches group discussions in preparations for curriculum, fundraisers, extra-curricular activities, concerts, community events, and more. Furthermore, earning your master’s degree often will put you on a higher salary step. In my own experience, it led me toward leadership opportunities. This may have been partially to the boost in confidence I gained from each of the courses, but also because of the creative ideas and views I had on pedagogy.
Since gaining my master’s degree, I have presented on my units of lessons in several different conferences and curriculum councils. Should you be looking to stand out with your ideas and be a beacon of creativity, the master’s in education with multiple intelligences theory concentration program at University of Saint Joseph is an excellent path to get you there.
Note: As of 2021, this program name has changed to M.A. in Education with an Arts Integration Concentration