Abstract
M.Ed.
This thesis reports on an action research project carried out in a Private Higher Education Institution and relates to the contribution of theories of multiple intelligences to the promotion of deep learning through the assessment of learning. It is argued that theories of multiple intelligences, while having been widely applied to teaching, have not been meaningfully applied to the assessment of learning or to the promotion of deep learning. Therefore, the problem for research was that insufficient consideration has been given to the possible contribution of theories of multiple intelligences to the promotion of deep learning through the assessment of learning, and that there is a gap in the application of those theories to the assessment of learning. Consequently, the purpose of the research was to examine the potential contribution of theories of multiple intelligences to the promotion of deep learning through the assessment of learning.
The first aim of the research was to consider the assessment of learning and to demonstrate how deep learning may be promoted through assessment. Secondly, the research explored the potential contribution of theories of multiple intelligences to the assessment of learning; while the third aim considered the demands of deep learning and theories of multiple intelligences in relation to assessment. The fourth aim was to propose a theoretical framework for assessment for the promotion of deep learning in the context of theories of multiple intelligences; while the fifth aimed to derive related principles. The final aim was to apply the derived principles practically to a course of study. The theoretical framework for the research was built on a study of the literature relating to the assessment of learning, deep learning and theories of multiple intelligences.
As the researcher was a practitioner, developing educational practice, a practitioner action research design was utilized, enabling the location of the research within a specific educational context and allowing for the development of a specific response to the research problem. Practitioner action research was particularly advantageous because it allowed for the improvement of practice, as
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well as the generation of new knowledge with respect to the assessment of learning, deep learning and theories of multiple intelligences.
Drawing the study of the literature and the empirical research together, the research findings were that theories of multiple intelligences have a contribution to make to the assessment of learning; learners were aware of and appreciated the variety available in assessment items; learners need clear guidance with respect to technical requirements for assessment options; theories of multiple intelligences make a positive contribution to the construction of assessment items that promote deep learning; and assessment that is shaped by multiple intelligences contributes to the promotion of deep learning in certain learners.
The scholarly contribution of this study lies in that it has developed the application of theories of multiple intelligences to the assessment of learning in a manner that contributes to improved practice with respect to the assessment of learning in general and specifically to the promotion of deep learning through the assessment of learning, with application to both the higher education sector in particular and all education in general.