| The present research study attempted to investigate the effects of the cooperative learning
method, as advocated by the multiple intelligence theory on Iranian EFL learners’ writing
achievement. The study also considered the factor of gender as an individual difference variable
on learners’ writing performance. A total of 60 learners participated in the study, including
an experimental group of 33 learners and a control group of 27 learners. Whereas the experimental
participants received instruction following the authors’ Cooperative Learning/
Multiple Intelligences model, the CLMI, the control group participants were exposed to a traditional
method of teaching. A questionnaire based on Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory, the
writing section of the Preliminary English Test (Preliminary English Test, 2014), and Top
Notch students’ book (2011) were used as the instruments in this study. Statistical analyses of
the data collected in this research reported that CLMI was successful in bringing about higher
writing achievement when compared with the traditional instructional method. Additionally,
the findings revealed that learners valued the variety of cooperative activities supported by
Gardner’s (1999) Multiple Intelligence Theory, the opportunities for small-group and wholeclass
communication, the clear focus on interactive writing tasks, and the authenticity of inclass
instructional activities. |