Of the myths that I read about in the Unit 5
folder, I was most surprised by the theory of mind analysis. I remember
learning about Gardner’s theory and how it was impactful to educational
research and practice. The de-bunking of the multiple intelligences aspect of
the theory especially intrigued me. I completely agree with Willingham, when he
discussed the human ABILITIES: aesthetic, athletic, musical, etc. These are the
same things that Gardner refers to as intelligences
in the educational setting. I am a strong believer that some kids may have a
special talent in the music room, some on the football field, and some have a
talent in both, but those kids that have these talents are not the same kids. These
talents, in my opinion, do not use the same part of the brain that lets say
math, science, writing, etc., use – which could be looked at as ‘intelligences.’
Also with these, all kids obtain different abilities in the different ‘intelligences.’
One student may be a great reader and writer, but really struggle at math…Whereas
another student may find math to be easy and non-stressful, but may be a
struggling reader or writer.
If I were to be challenged in my own
classroom by someone to focus on the ‘multiple intelligences’ theory, I would go
out of my way and do my best to gather research, facts, and evidence of why we
should not categorize our students in terms of ‘intelligences.’ There is plenty
of research and support that I strongly believe many administrators and colleagues
would be interested in learning more about it and seeing what it is really
about.
I agree that some students have certain abilities or special talents. I think all our mind's work and process in different ways. I also believe, however, that even though some people seem musically or artistically inclined does not mean others cannot learn to do the art or music. It might take them a bit longer with more practice, but I believe we each possess a little of everything in us. We just might lean more towards one "intelligence" because of experience/preference. I also believe it takes a little of everyone and everything to make the world go round.
ReplyDeleteI think as teachers we are given all of these myths to use in our classroom! Personally I have seen a whole lot of the multiple intelligences idea. I am constantly being reminded that students do not all learn the same way and I need to differentiate instruction to accommodate the learning styles they may possess!
Also, to answer the other question on the class blog about technology in my content area. I would have to say no, I have not seen great technological uses in classrooms. The best one I have seen, however, was when I was doing my 25 hours experience. I went to my old high school and they had just implemented interactive white boards. The teacher could write on it, erase on it, make other corrections and it seemed legitimately helpful in the classroom. Other than that I have experienced a lot of annoying and trying times turning in weeks of lessons plans. Turning in online lessons plans is sometimes the hardest thing at the end of and education class. It would work if the professor set it up right. But for the most part I spend the majority of my time editing boxes and trying to figure out how to insert documents into one document. It's mostly been a frustrating experience. I think things like this can hinder a students learning. As a student, I was too frustrated with the technology to even care about the assignment anymore. So I don't think technology is all it's cracked up to be. It can be cool and allow for things you others wouldn't be able to do in a classroom. However, it can also be a big problem.
Megann,
DeleteThanks for your comments! I too, have come to realize that ALL students learn differently in the grand scheme of things. This is why, like you said above, that differentiated instruction is so important to have in the classroom.
I know how frustrating it can feel to have to rely on technology in our college classes for turning things in, even taking quizzes, assignments, etc., etc. However, as frustrating as technology can get sometimes, I feel like if it is used and taught in the correct way, and the most EFFICIENT way, then technology is an extremely helpful and useful tool in the classroom. Just a small example would be the use of a Prezi. This veers away from the traditional, not to mention boring, PowerPoint, and it allows students to create their 'own' assignment in a way. It allows for different learning styles, creativity, and excitement. Also, you mentioned that you have seen the IWB in a classroom. There was one in the class that I student assisted in, and I really liked it. The teacher had all of her lessons/agendas for the week organized into a calendar and all of her files/materials needed for each day set up so that all she had to do was click on the day of the week, and her whole day was laid out in front of her. There were several activities, some hands-on and some not, that were incorporated in her lessons using the actual Interactive White Board, too. The kids really liked the IWB as well.
One last thing; What are your thoughts on Google Docs? Do you like using it? Do you find it confusing? Would you use it in your future class? (if age appropriate)
I actually really like google docs and would likely use it in the classroom. My biggest concern with this type of technology is economic income of the students. I would hate to have them use this technology in a way that was not available to them. As a rule, if I use technology I always try to plan for a few days in class to use it for the students who cannot easily access it. Of course there are usually computers at local libraries. However just because it is there does not mean students can easily get to their library. I like the tech, it makes some things easier and more accessible, but it can also sometimes hurt a student more than help.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more. I also think that it can be very easy as teachers, or really just as a middle-class adult with available resources, to forget and not think about the problem of accessibility that some, if not many, students have. We need to be aware of the resources available to all of the students in our class, and then plan our lessons accordingly. If several students do not have access to the technology that they need, but their assignments require them to have it, it is only setting them up for failure and frustration. However, if all of your students have access to computers/tablets/etc., then technology can really enhance your lessons as well as do your students a huge favor by familiarizing them with one of present-day societies main focuses: always improving technology.
DeleteI mentioned this elsewhere responding to posts. The problem with technology use is that if it's not necessary for learning, it's easy to adjust for those without access, yet the presence of technology does little to influence learning overall. If it IS necessary or results in maximizing learning, you'll see the results you want; however, it is difficult to adjust for those without access, and they will inevitably fall behind their peers.
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