Welcome Message

Julie Viens，Co-Chairperson, Organizing Committee

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I would like to extend to you our warmest welcome to the second biannual Multiple Intelligences World Symposium.

Organized by the Multiple Intelligences Institute, Beijing Institute of Education, Tianjin Education Academic Society and Tianjin Education Bureau of Hexi District, the MI World Symposium 2012: Nurturing Children's Learning using Multiple Intelligences Theory aims to create a platform for MI experts and practitioners from China and the U.S. to share their knowledge and experience with local educators and practitioners.

The 2012 MI World Symposium is the second of many conferences to come. We are very fortunate to have among our keynote speakers Dr. Mindy Kornhaber, former student and longtime colleague of Dr. Howard Gardner. Dr. Kornhaber, Professor of Education at Penn State University, will speak about MI Theory as a framework for successful, student-centered education. We have also convened a faculty of local and international speakers and presenters representing MI practices from multiple sites across the United States and China. They will share MI applications in diverse contexts, including early childhood, elementary, and secondary education. Together our faculty will offer you a rich blend of research-based understanding and practical applications of MI theory. We are confident that you will find this an inspirational and fruitful experience.

For those of you who are visitors, we hope you will be able to find time to explore Tianjin, which means 'the place where the emperor crossed the river.' Located on the Bohai Sea, Tianjin was once the imperial port and still serves as Beijing's vital gateway to the sea. Tianjin has an illustrious historical heritage and beautiful natural environs, making it a wonderful place to explore. We hope you have the opportunity to do so during your stay.

I look forward to seeing you and to our learning together on 17th & 18th May, 2012.

Yours Sincerely,

Julie Viens

Managing Partner, MI Institute

Chairperson, Organizing Committee