Abstract and Reflection: MI: Chapter 1

Abstract-
The majority of the class has come up with the following points from the chapter: This chapter discusses the idea of Multiple Intelligences. Howard Gardner, in 1983, did lots of work in order to redefine within the psychological and educational world, the way that we view intelligence. He worked specifically with redefining the meaning of intelligence by believing that there was more then one intelligence. He believed that there were eight, named by, linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist.(Page 2) He further believed that everyone possesses all eight intelligences and they can have the ability to develop all of them further and in many different ways. Howard Gardner also stated that each person can excel in one intelligence and struggling in another. This scenario can stem from brain damage, the existence of savants, or people who naturally gravitate towards one intelligence. All of the intelligences work together, which creates our strongest and weakest intelligence depending on what our strengths and weaknesses are or develop to be. He also believed that all intelligences should be incorporated into a classroom. This would allow a balance among the students and help them towards succeeding using their own intelligence. Many people in the class view this theory as a stepping stone in order to more fully understand not just their students' learning styles but their own and understand them on a more personal level. This stepping stone of multiple intelligences is one of the fundamental reasons why we have come so far in understanding intelligence.


Reflection- The class believes that Howard Gardner was right in his belief that there is more then just one intelligence. Further more, they also realize that fully understanding each intelligence and how they work can benefit not only how to understand the students but as well has how they can best learn. It was interesting to see that many people could view themselves as possessing many of the intelligences but it was interesting to know that everyone possesses all eight. As an even more interesting approach, finding out your own learning style and integrating that into your classroom can help you to really connect to your students. Most everyone agrees that implementing this strategy in the classroom is crucial. Appealing to all students allows for a flow within the classroom and a better relationship not only between the students themselves but between the teacher and the student. Being able to help those who learn differently can help in the teacher growing as a learner with the students and fostering their own individual intelligence. Many agree that the idea of multiple intelligences has helped to gain a close understanding of different learning styles as well as bring the teacher and student closer together during the learning process.