marblethoughts' Blog

Multiple Intelligences

marblethoughts — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:02:59 +0000

Howard Gardner came up with the theory of Multiple Intelligences in 1983. A valid theory which doesn’t by any means receive enough credit, is hardly touched upon in the post-education world for to-be teachers. Gardner enlightens us with his beliefs that there are many forms of intelligence that a student may possess. He insists that a child who has memorized his times tables is not necessarily “smarter” than other children who possess their own forms of intelligence. This may or may not be an extension of or another way of looking at multiplication. It may be that a child possesses another form of multiplication knowledge, one that looks at facts on a deeper level, on the contrary to memorization. MI’s also apply to other subjects. Unfortunately, we do not take Gardner’s views seriously enough. Although different curriculums often cater to different learning styles, they don’t all do so. Furthermore, in my own personal experience, I had one education professor discuss Gardner’s theory and that was it. And, most importantly, the standardized tests that are now being administered at a 3rd grade level do not leave any room for these MI’s. As a 3rd grade teacher, I find it quite frustrating at times, not only with the tests’ inability to recognize different forms of intelligence, but also with feeling as thought I am “teaching to the tests” for a large percentage of the school year. It takes a lot of fight to be even half of the hero of a teacher one strives to be.

The Most Intelligent Way to Enjoy a Show

marblethoughts — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:15:47 +0000

I recently went to the Whitney to view Jenny Holzer’s writing in art, particularly her LED signs. The show was especially enjoyable for me as I viewed it through the eyes of a child. Maybe the fact that I’m a teacher has been responsible for the fact that I never underestimate the MI’s of children. Regardless, when I go to an opening or a new exhibit, I always seem to get the most out of it when I see it through a child’s eye. This particular kid, who was probably 7 or 8, viewed Jenny’s “Purple” in a brand new way. He crouched down and watched the lights for about 5 full minutes, completely oblivious to his mother’s voice repeatedly asking him to get up. I’m sure he had a great way for watching the sea of words in “For Chicago” as well. Of course Jenny is known for her writing but the beauty and intrigue of the lights were also interesting to me. However, my point is that when you go to a new exhibit, check out the way the nearest kid is looking at things.

Hello world!

marblethoughts — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:37:25 +0000

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