The Extent to which Grade 4 English First Additional Language Workbooks Cater for Learners' Multiple Intelligences

One efficient way through which learners can achieve learning outcomes is the implementation of multiple intelligences, which was proposed by Gardner in 1983. Gardner postulates that individuals have eight clear intellectual potentials which work together to survive in the world, all of which should be developed in the classroom. The study aims to establish manifestations of multiple intelligences in Grade 4 English First Additional Language workbooks currently in use in South African schools, especially as reflected in the teaching and learning activities given to the learners. Since the ubiquitous workbooks are vital in the presentation of educational curriculum in the South African contexts, their reflection of multiple intelligences would optimize diverse learners’ content reception and retention. The cognitive profile was largely intrapersonal and verbal-linguistic, according to a content analysis of the two 2021 Grade 4 English FAL workbooks. The type of intelligence that was identified least was the naturalistic intelligence, while the musical intelligence was completely missing. There was no equitable or balanced distribution or reflection of intelligence types in each of the workbooks. It is recommended that textbook/workbook writers and teachers infuse in their instructional material, activities that serve all the intelligences of learners. In such manner, no learner is left behind as everyone’s learning style is accommodated, and instruction is rendered at the learners’ own terms and not the instructors’ convenience.