Using a Multiple Intelligences Assessment To Facilitate Teacher Development.

In phase 1 of this study, development and validation studies of a new assessment for the multiple intelligences were conducted. The second phase of the study was a pilot implementation project during a single academic year in collaboration with several public school teachers. Phase 1 involved a series of activities including initial instrument development, expert content reviews, field testing, pilot validation studies, item analysis, subscale development, instrument revision, and secondary validation studies. The developed instrument, the Multiple Intelligence Development Assessment Scales (MIDAS), was validated through studies involving nearly 3,000 middle school students, approximately 70 high school students, groups of adult and college students, and 400 employed adults. Phase 2 considered how a multiple intelligences (MI) profile might be best used by classroom teachers. Six elementary and secondary school teachers participated. Findings from this study indicated that an MI profile can sensitize teachers to their own weaknesses and help them empathize with students who are struggling. Teachers were able to understand the MI profile as a descriptive narrative of intellectual and creative life. Students of these teachers also appreciated the MI profile and found it encouraging. (Contains 5 tables and 21 references.) (SLD)