Multiple Intelligences- Chapter 1

Name: Block 2, Team 2
Date: September 12, 2007

Abstract:
Chapter one introduces Howard Gardiner’s theory of multiple intelligences. According to Gardiner there are eight different forms intelligence. These include logistical-mathematical, linguistic, naturalistic, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and musical. Gardiner defends his decision to use the word intelligence when applied to these terms citing that all eight of them can be isolated within the brain and that savants are living proof that one can exhibit outstanding proficiency in one kind of intelligence above all others. Gardiner also points out that although one may be inclined toward one intelligence; it is possible for every individual (excluding savants) to reach a high proficiency in all of them

Reflection:
As a group we found that Gardiner’s theory of multiple intelligences was interesting to discuss and it was interesting to examine our own strengths and weaknesses according to the MI test we took in class. For example, Andrew, Carrie, and I found that our strongest intelligence was linguistic but Abbie’s strongest was music, a fact she disagreed with. In class we discussed that you could have little musical, linguistic, etc. talent but you could enjoy singing, writing, etc. and how according to Gardiner’s test your strongest intelligence may show up as musical, linguistic, etc. Abbie said that although she enjoys listening to music all the time and singing she cannot read music fluently but still musical intelligence turned out to be her strongest, even though in reality she does not believe that her strongest intelligence is music.
The part of Gardiner’s theory that surprised all of us the most was the fact that everyone has the ability to develop all the eight intelligences to a high degree. We also found it interesting that the linguistic intelligence seemed to be concentrated within the English and social sciences concentration, while the logistical-mathematical and naturalistic intelligences were concentrated within the science and math areas.
Understanding what our strengths and weaknesses in terms of the eight intelligences will be a very important tool in the future. Knowing that I am strong linguistically, I know that I will probably teach more towards that intelligence but I can work to teach to all the intelligences.

Reflection on Reading (Synthesized)

Name: Team 2 (Carrie, Abbie, Matt, Andrew, and Laura) Date: 9/13/07

Book Title: Integrating DI and UbD Chapter: Two

Abstract:

This chapter focuses on a teacher’s ability to be flexible and differentiate according to the needs of his or her students. It points out that even the most beautifully constructed curriculum and the best planned lessons will be ineffective if they are not carried out by means of differentiated instruction. Through several real life examples, the chapter points out that a students performance in the classroom can be affected by all kinds of outside factors, whether it be a divorce, an undiagnosed learning disorder, or being of an untraditional intelligence that gets ignored by most teachers. It stresses a teacher’s need to be prepared to accommodate all kinds of students and their unique needs in order to allow them each an equal chance at learning the key points of the curriculum. The main things a teacher must “attend to” are student/teacher relationships, the classroom environment, understanding the students’ strengths, needs and backgrounds, and the students’ readiness to learn, interests, and motivation. The chapter does however end with a note that balancing all of these tasks at all times is impossible for any teacher to do, so the best approach is to attempt to find patterns of instructions within a unit that will hopefully cycle through most, if not all, of the learning styles present in the classroom.

Reflection:

Our team found this chapter to be very interesting and helpful in explaining the different techniques in accommodating student’s individual needs. The real life examples were well received and seen as an effective way to create meaning in how we would use these methods in our own classrooms. As a group, we appreciated the value of creating patterns throughout a unit in order to ease the challenge of reaching every student while still actively attempting to do so. Finally, we mostly valued the idea of teaching responsively and in the moment rather than tailoring our lives around a meaningless set of unreachable standards and tests. We all feel that we will make every attempt to set up a classroom where our students can feel comfortable in their own styles and intelligences and get the most out of our lessons.

Posted by Carrie

Multiple Intelligences Chapter 2

Reflection on Reading (Synthesized)

Name: Block 2, Team 2 Date: September 12, 2007

Book Title: Multiple Intelligences Chapter: Two

Write a brief abstract of the chapter:

Chapter two of Multiple Intelligences deals with the identification of the eight different multiple intelligences within students. It points out how, as future teachers, we must be able to recognize these differing intelligences within students and also to draw on the support of colleagues when we find our own shortcomings in some areas. The chapter goes on to touch on the development of the intelligences; biology, personal history and cultural and historical background all have an effect on the development of different intelligences in an individual. The author also mentions two experiences that can have direct effects on the intelligence development: crystallizing experiences and paralyzing experiences.

How did you connect to the reading and briefly reflect on your thoughts:

Among our team, many of us realized just how much the factors mentioned can really effect the development of intelligences. Specifically, the turning points mentioned were new to everyone. Crystallizing and paralyzing experiences can have perhaps the biggest impact on the development of an area of intelligence. As teachers, it should be our job to try and limit paralyzing experiences. Group members mentioned how teachers have negatively effected them in the classroom; I think we can all agree this is a bad approach to teaching. The classroom should be an engaging and supportive place where students can develop all areas of their intelligences.