MI- Chapter 7

“There is no other profession that subjects individuals to being packed so close together, for long periods of time, and then expects them to perform at higher levels of efficiency while interacting with others.” This statement only stands to prove that the teaching profession must be taken seriously and the strategies and tools learned from not just these classes in college but these particular books are preparing us for the teaching career. The classroom ecology also known as the classroom environment needs to be consistently restructured, rethought, and reshaped in order for all types of learners to succeed. When trying to adapt to this new way of thinking a review of the eight intelligences reveals more thought provoking questions. Asking these questions can help to develop a deeper understanding of the students and the environment. Within each of the intelligences these questions are meant to probe the minds of students and to develop an idea to the point of complete understanding. In addition to asking questions within each of intelligences creating a MI activity center is important. These centers organize the classroom in such a way that certain areas are devoted to a specific intelligence. Then these specific areas are organized into four categories, the permanent open-ended, the temporary topic specific, the temporary open-ended, and the permanent topic specific activity center. Different combinations can lead to different results within each student within each of the intelligences. Allowing such questions to be asked and such centers to be allowed in the classroom can help promote learning and creativity. But the problem here is that some may need more help than others. Teachers should make it all available to the students during different periods throughout the day. Essentially, any activity that goes beyond simple reading, writing, or calculation can qualify as an MI center.

All of the different aspects of the classroom environment, discusses in this chapter, help me to understand that I really do need to make it a priority to really know how my students learn, that is if I want to be able to reach all of them. There are always going to be questions to consider. However if a teacher can ask a probing question to help the students in every area or intelligence then both sides are benefitting. The teacher can develop a deeper understanding of the student and their abilities. The student can then in return feel comfortable enough and prepared enough to accomplish tasks that were ordinarily overlooked. These activity centers help to not only promote the eight intelligences but social, emotional, and physical skills as well.