These
chapters expanded on how multiple intelligences can be used and included
examples in and out of the classroom. While I found many of the techniques
listed to be geared to a younger group of students than I will be teaching,
some of the discussion in these chapters was very engaging and thought
provoking. For example, the information about classroom ecology in chapter 7.
I
found the discussion of classroom ecology to be very interesting. I do believe
that learning is shaped by the environment around the student, but I recognize
that this environment is very often out of the teacher’s control. The chapter
listed many issues to consider, some being factors that are unchangeable to
teachers, such as if the room has windows or the way the class schedule is set
up. Even though these factors are out of a teacher’s control, it may help to
recognize that there is a problem with the classroom ecology and that this
problem is impossible to fix but can be compensated for in other areas.
As
a person with strong intrapersonal intelligence, I thoroughly enjoyed the
section on the ecological factors on learning for intrapersonal intelligence. I
really liked that it mentioned that people with intrapersonal intelligence may
desire privacy during the school day. I could relate this to my high school
experience, as I often wanted just a few minutes away from everyone but there
was nowhere to get that privacy. This section strongly relates to the quote
that the chapter opens with, which basically says that it is ridiculous to
expect students to perform well in school when they are packed in with others
for hours and pressured to do well. This holds especially true for those with a
lot of intrapersonal intelligence.
These
chapters also gave examples of how to use multiple intelligences in aspects of
classroom management, such as quieting a room down or assigning groups. I found
many of these ideas to be very strange and impractical. I feel like many of the
methods would not be effective and definitely would not be preferred by
students. I think some of the classroom management techniques would work
wonderfully in an elementary level classroom but would have to be adapted in
order for students in middle school or high school to tolerate them.
The text goes on
to explain that the multiple intelligence theory should also be used and
considered in many other fields and aspects of life than just teaching, such as
career counseling. The book provides a list of careers that use each
intelligence. While it is an interesting list to consider, I fear that it could
limit some people who will try to force themselves into whatever career fits
their strongest intelligence. I could especially see this in a high school
student who is searching for a future career goal and is looking for something
to base a decision of off. In that case, a list like that might inspire the
student to look into a career they had never thought of before, or it could
make them feel like they must choose one of the careers listed.
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