LEARNING LOG 9/22

What? In class we discussed the meaning of intelligence. We went over multiple theorist views. We dicussed sternbergs Triarchtic theory which involved analytical, creative, and pratical intelligence. We also discussed Catell's theory and the difference between fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence. We also talked about spearmens concept of G and that everyone has a single reasoning ability that is used on a wide variety of tasks. It depends on a variety of tasks. And last but not least we discussed my favorite.... Gardners Multiple intelligence theory. Gardner believes that there are 9 distinct seperate intelligences. We also discussed the IQ test and multiple intelligence test that we had taken during the week. We talked about the way the tests had been set up and whether or not we would use them in our classrooom. We split up into groups based off our multiple intelligence scores. My strongest intelligence was bodily kinesthetic and we had to present a way to teach the water cycle using this intelligence. It was really fun to see how you can use so many different intelligences to teach a single subject. The new topic to class was individual differences which came from chapter 5 of our reading. We started discussing students with disabilities and how we can accomodate them in our classrooms. We talked about how we felt about inclusion. We also had a heated debate on labels. Which I thought really was openminded. It was great. We were split into groups and I had to be against using labels. It was hard to be strictly on one side of the issue. The debaters did a great job. Then we started to discuss the different kinds of disabilities we would see in our classroom. We each were assigned a disability/exceptionality to post on blackboard. I worked with mindy and we studying emotional and behavoral disorders. We learned that there is so much we have to be aware of as teachers, regarding students individual needs.
So What? Based of what we learned about intelligence it is vital that teachers be open to teaching in multiple ways so that all of the students can learn. We need to use all of gardners intelligences in every unit. It will help all the students to be taught in multiple ways. It also is important to be aware of individual needs of the student. And as a teacher you must realize that you need to do your best to accomodate that student. It also is important that we create a safe classroom environment, where all students can succeed. We need to be aware of how certain disabilities are displayed. Teachers need to know what IEPs are, and know how to read them. We need to collaborate with special education teachers in order to give our students with disabilites, the best education possible.
Now What? As a teacher I will use the multiple intelligences to teach the state curriculum. I will use will assess what ways my students learn best so that I create my teaching style based on that. I will adjust this from year to year and not get stuck doing the same things with different students. I will accomodate students with special needs in my classroom. I will work closely with the special education dept. and use the students IEP to plan their curriculum. I will continually study about disorders and disabilites so that I can better help my students. I will also be open minded to labels, and understand that even withing a certain disability is great variance. I will work closely with parents to do what is best for students on an individual basis.