Multiple Intelligence Theory in the Revision of Biology 2D03 Laboratories

Abstract

The laboratory curriculum and assessment of the course Biology 2D03, The Plant Kingdom, was revised in 1998. In part, the revision was due to the need to update the laboratory manual to, reflect a new edition of the text book. Also revision to condense three chapters into two to accommodate a shorter than usual term and to include a chapter on the fungi was done. Assessment was revised in response to student suggestions and comments taken from course assessments. Key to these revisions was incorporating Multiple Intelligence theory into curriculum and assessment. A new form of assessment, mini-laboratory practicals, was devised replacing quizzes and one laboratory examination. The mini-laboratory practicals utilized visual-spatial, bodilykinesthetic, naturalist intelligence, verbal-linguistic and mathematical-logical intelligences. Intrapersonal intelligence was implemented with an essay assignment which required students to reflect on how plants were important to their personal lives. Musical-rhythmic intelligence was implemented by playing classical music with nature sounds (to enhance the naturalist intelligence) in the laboratory classroom. Two laboratory sections requested that the music be played during test situations while six sections did not. There were few unintended side effects of the revisions. The essay was more of a feminine exercise and male students had difficulty in relating personal experience. Revision of assessment procedures did not affect grade means or distributions. Assessment methods required some memorization but also required thinking and application of knowledge. A large proportion of students found that the combination of assessment methods (mini-laboratory practicals, laboratory examination and final examination) best tested their knowledge. The majority suggested that the new revision scheme be retained. The use of classical music with nature sounds resulted in a more relaxing, soothing learning environment but there was no evidence of a "Mozart effect".