Teach 2 Intelligence: Perceptual maps

Intelligence type: Mathematical, verbal, intrapersonal, visual & interpersonal

This is an activity that can be done as a class guided by the teacher, in small groups or individually.

How it works:

This tool is used to compare two or more different items within the same category. In our example we are comparing two different learning theories.
In a regular XY diagram, position two different sets of opposite attributes (one on the X axle and the other one on the Y axle). In our example we are using important and unimportant on the Y axle, and weakness/strength on the X axle. We are also using a -10 to +10 scale. The scale can vary, and it can be as simple as from (-) to (+).
The idea is to write down everything you know about the theories positioning them according to their relevance within the selected attributes. In our example we need to position everything we know about each theory according to the two selected attributes. For example, we have that being "adult focused" is an attribute of the andragogy theory that we consider to be very important and a strength of that theory. While "not considered a theory by other educators" is a weakness of the theory but is relatively unimportant.
It can also be used with only one item just to find which attributes are relevant to what we are doing. In our example we could just use it with andragogy to find the attribute that makes it an important theory in adult education.

Tip:

You can use different colors or mark your ideas in a differnt ways to easily differentiate items on your chart.

Using this activity in the classroom:

It can be used with almost every subject. Students can summarize all the information on a subject in this type of diagram to understand it better and also understand their own ideas on the subject.
As a teacher, consider that this tool is constructed using a mix of facts and opinions. There is not an exact way to do it.
It can be used to promote debate on a subject by comparing different diagrams based on the same subject.
It is a good way to voice students' opinions, ideas and knowledge on a subject.
It is a good tool to record information while exploring a subject. It can be used to track the progress of research and changes in information and conclusions.
It is an excellent tool for an intrapersonal exercise.

Click image to enlarge