Globalization, Multiple Intelligences, and ELT in Singapore

Abstract

There are two parts to this paper – one introductory and theoretical: and the other “applied”, and it is hoped that these two halves will contribute to a more complete understanding of the role and significance of Multiple Intelligence in English language education in Singapore. The first part of the paper will chronicle the rise of MI amidst the backdrop of globalization and the socio-political background of Singapore in the mid- 1990’s. The second part of the paper will focus on the model’s application in four language classrooms in Singapore in 2004-2005. The paper concludes with a critical discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of Multiple Intelligence, and its sustainability and long-term viability in relation to national, pedagogical and language methodological issues in Singapore.