Identifying Students’ Self-perceived Multiple Intelligence Preferences: the Case of Students from Heilongjiang International University, China

Abstract

Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory assumes that people have a full range of intelligences, and individuals differ. Although there have been many studies conducted related to MI, there are still questions that need answers in the context of students who are learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in China. Many teachers believe that identifying these intelligences has a significant impact on students learning skills. Identifying these intelligences, however, is not accessible if observation or identification comes from the teachers. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify Chinese college students’ self-perceived MI and check the differences between male and females students’ self-perceived intelligences. There were 359 Heilongjiang International University (HIU) students who participated in this study. The 35-item MI questionnaire was adopted to collect the data. The findings indicated that both male and female HIU students had a high self-perceived Musical Intelligence. Moreover, there were differences in terms of their self-perceived MI with three intelligences that male HIU students self-perceived are higher than the females. These are mathematical-logical intelligence, body-kinesthetic intelligence and interpersonal intelligence. The findings are followed by some recommendations for teaching and learning.