Applying the Theory of Multiple Intelligences in Teaching Vocabulary to Iranian Beginner EFL Learners

Abstract The concept of intelligence might be used to describe individual differences in the way people learn. Many researchers in the field of TEFL or TESOL have attempted to find a logical relationship between intelligence and second language teaching and learning. In 1983 Dr. Howard Gardner proposed a new theory named Multiple Intelligences (MI) Theory. Gardner (1983) defined eight different types of intelligences and suggested a general definition for intelligence as "the capacity to solve problems or to fashion products that are valued in one or more cultural setting" (Hatch & Gardner, 1989, p85, cited in Armstrong, 2000). This study was designed to investigate the reciprocal relationship between musical and pictorial intelligences and musical and pictorial vocabulary teaching strategies. This quasi-experimental study limited itself to only pictorial and musical intelligences in order to control the results and interpretations. The findings of the current study assured the inclusion of using teaching strategies in accordance with different student's more dominant intelligence (MDI). The findings of the study also revealed the significance of considering EFL learner's capabilities in SLL and the necessity of using various teaching strategies to fulfill different learner as well as teacher needs and interests.