How do we engage students? Week 3

I am sure throughout our lives we have reached some kind of conclusion that every person thinks differently. We have different views, emotions and we even process information in various ways.

The question is not "How smart are you?" but rather "How are you smart?"

 

This is a quote from Howard Gardner theory of multiple intelligences. The concept is there are 8 domains of learning; 8 ways that people process information and learn. Unfortunately in school systems standardized tests only focus on 3 of these domains.

 

Interpersonal, interpersonal, naturalistic, kinesthetic, musical, visual, logical, and verbal are the 8 multiple intelligences. There is a proposed 9th domain of existential which involves asking tough questions about life, death and the universe. Keeping these intelligences in mind and ensuring there is a variety of activities that include the different domains will make units or lessons we teach more understanding to each student. 

 

Personally, I am more naturalistic and musical. A perfect example happened this week in my AEE 350 class. We were focusing on land surveying and how to make a contour line. I was having difficulty understanding the concept of why the line looked like it was going downhill but all the stakes were at the same height. Then my professor gave an example of contour plowing and how they layout the field and it was like a light bulb went off! After I get to know my students I'll be able to explain things by appealing to one of the strength intelligences to help them understand a concept in my class.

 

Class normally begins with a hook or a bell ringer to get the students in the mind frame for the subject to be taught. Throughout the lesson the teachers uses scaffolding to encourage students to think for their own and become self learners. One of the best self- learners I have read about is Warren Buffet. Sure he has made more money that I can count AND he give the majority to charities but what really impresses me is his innate response to learning. If I had to guess I would say he has more of a interpersonal and logical way of learning. In this article about Mr. Buffet and his success he says that he spend much of his day just reading and thinking. Also, he is always learning. He consistently makes an effort to learn more, to read new things and this is what makes him so great in my mind. He has the self motivation and dedication to his knowledge.

 

I look forward to seeing how my students learn and finding ways to bring that forth in my lessons!

 

 

 



Thanks for reading!