The Perceptions of Flight Instructors Regarding the Application of Multiple Intelligences Theory in Flight Training

For several decades, educators have used Howard Gardner’s (1983) Multiple Intelligences Theory in a variety of ways to make teaching and learning more effective. However, within flight instruction, little or no attention has been focused on the concept of Multiple Intelligences and their impacts on student learning and retention. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to determine if Certified Flight Instructors (CFI) who have been provided with information about Multiple Intelligences perceived a positive relationship between their new knowledge about Multiple Intelligences and their instructional effectiveness. The study used participant journals, focus groups, and individual interviews to determine if CFIs perceived Multiple Intelligences Theory to be valuable when applied to flight instruction. The results indicated that the participants believed Multiple Intelligences Theory added value to their flight instruction. Implications for practice and directions for future research are provided.