Multiple Intelligences- Chapter 3

Name: Block 2, Team 2
Date: September 19, 2007

Abstract:
Chapter three of Multiple Intelligences is all about how to assess a student’s intelligences. Since there is no concrete or standardized test to determine what area each student is strongest in, it is up to the teacher to observe and determine what intelligence area each student is strongest in. A common way to do this is to look at how a student misbehaves, if a student is constantly doodling, or jumping around, or speaking out of turn, they may have an inclination towards spatial, kinesthetic, or linguistic intelligences. Another way to determine a student’s intelligence inclination is to look at their past work. Where are the strongest? Where are the weakest?


Reflection:
Everyone on our team seemed to agree that observing and determining our students’ intelligence will not only help them learn but help us teach. Most of the suggestions were more common sense than anything else but a few, like observing how students’ misbehave, were new and helpful. I agree with Carrie’s point, that although observing how students act in class and misbehave is a good way to gain insight into their learning styles, it is also impossible to be able to observe every student. She had a good suggestion of not only looking at a student’s portfolio but also talking to other teachers and parents.