Multiple Intelligences and Join In

Join In offers pupils the opportunity to learn English in an active and creative way and to learn to use English to communicate with others. The pupil realises that a different language code exists. This needn't constitute a barrier (I don't understand), but can, in fact, become a source of personal satisfaction and self-esteem (I can understand).

From a purely educational point of view, the course encourages the development of natural skills on which other abilities can be built.

Join In is based on the latest findings of cognitive psychology and neurolinguistic programming, which show that children remember what they have learned better if all their senses are stimulated during the learning process.

Children, like adults, have different abilities and resources, and ways of learning vary from pupil to pupil. Gardner, in his theory of Multiple Intelligences, has highlighted seven of these ways of learning, which he presents as seven types of intelligence: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, kinaesthetic, interpersonal and intrapersonal.

It is very important, therefore, for the teacher to take these various types of intelligence into consideration and to exploit them fully, especially when evaluating pupils' performance, so that the natural abilities of pupils are developed and they feel that their skills are appreciated. This in turn will increase their self-confidence and self-esteem, which is of fundamental importance if the other forms of learning are to be gradually developed.

All seven types of intelligence are important, but special emphasis should be given to musical intelligence. Sound is the vehicle for most other forms of intelligence. Sound stimuli - words, sounds, and above all songs - are the starting point for other forms of learning such as listening, imagination, written communication and introspection.

Child psychology has demonstrated without doubt that the brain of a child who has been fully accepted as a person from the beginning (both through verbal and non-verbal messages, such as the demonstration of affection) is able to learn more quickly.

Join In is therefore based on multiple educational and teaching principles. Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences and the principles derived from Neurolinguistic Programming have already been mentioned. It is also worth saying that music, dance and singing are important elements in the formation of a solid base from which to start learning, helping children to pick up the language, and also giving them physical confidence. This encourages a positive attitude in children towards themselves and improves their communication with others. Furthermore, all of the activities in Join In involve pupils totally and stimulate their interest. The main aim of the course, apart from the use of English in a context of personal experience, is to give pupils the means through which they can grow as people.