Abstract
During the last two decades, Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences with its emphasis on learner variables has been appreciated in language learning. Spatial intelligence, as one domain of the multiple structures of intelligence, which is thought to play a great role in reading, writing, and literacy, particularly in L2 learning, has not received sufficient attention as it deserves. The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the relationship between EFL learners’ spatial intelligence and their performance on cloze tests in general; (2) to determine which variety of cloze tests, analytic or perceptual (based on deletion method), may correlate more strongly with learners’ spatial intelligence. Accordingly, a correlational study was conducted with 41 male Iranian EFL learners at Jihad Daneshgahi Language Center of Tehran University (Iran). Participants’ scores on the spatial intelligence test were first compared with their scores on two cloze tests. Next, the obtained correlations were examined to see the effect of deletion method for cloze tests on the strength of the relationship between the spatial intelligence scores and scores on the cloze tests. Significant correlations (0.61 and 0.56) were found between the variables. The findings emphasize making reconsiderations in using cloze tests in EFL contexts. Further research is also suggested to explore spatial intelligence and its role in language classrooms.
Highlights
As early as 1983, based on evidence gained from research in biology, genetics, psychology and cultural anthropology, Howard Gardner, a Harvard graduate in psychology, suggested the existence of eight relatively autonomous intelligences
Since this study aims to investigate the nature of spatial intelligence as one aspect of multiple intelligences theory and to evaluate the construction and use of cloze procedures in TEFL, it can contribute to the existing body of knowledge in TEFL and the field of cognitive psychology
The tests employed for this study included a Michigan test of English Language Proficiency (1984 version), three cloze tests, and a test of visual/spatial intelligence
Summary
As early as 1983, based on evidence gained from research in biology, genetics, psychology and cultural anthropology, Howard Gardner, a Harvard graduate in psychology, suggested the existence of eight relatively autonomous intelligences. He redefined the concept of intelligence by viewing each one as a bio-psychological potential for processing information which can result in solving problems or creating products which are of value in a specific culture (Gardner, 1983, 1993). As one of the eight proposed intelligences, enables individuals to perceive the visual world, to reconstruct and modify their original observations, and to re-create and restructure different aspects of an early visual experience. Based on ISSN 1916-4742 E-ISSN 1916-4750 www.ccsenet.org/elt
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