As future teachers we have to face
the realization that no two students learn the same way, because no two
students are exactly alike. Students are unique individuals that have a
multitude of strengths and weaknesses, and we need to be able to address and
nurture those differences and learning abilities. Within chapter three, in the
section Addressing Diversity through Differentiated Instruction, the authors
make reference to the fact that all students have diverse learning styles. They
use Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, which focuses on all the
different learning styles: Linguistic, Logical/ Mathematical, Spatial,
Bodily/Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, and Intrapersonal.
By incorporating all areas of the Multiple Intelligence
theory students are able to have well rounded, and fulfilling educations that fit their own personal strengths and weaknesses. By being able to address all areas
of learning we are promoting all students to grow and succeed because we are
appealing to each of their own personal needs within their education. The fact
of the matter though is that teachers struggle to hit all these areas within
instruction. This could be due to lack of instruction time or because of
fundings being cut which can affect certain areas of the Multiple Intelligence
theory such as the performing art aspects of Bodily/ Kinesthetic, but
fortunately other alternatives could be used if certain areas are cut that can
be incorporated within instruction. The benefits of using the Multiple levels of
Intelligence learning instructions would be endless. By using this method of
instruction we could meet the needs of all our students, even our students with
special needs. Students would be able to have opportunities to work together
collaboratively, or even one-on-one with the teacher.
Why is it then that we
still do not use this form of instruction? Which to me appears to be the answer
to a lot of problems within teaching and can benefit students greatly. We want
our education to be equal and fulfilling for all students yet we are isolating
some students because they may not learn the same way as everyone else. Often
in classrooms students are not able to grasp concepts or pay attention and
this could simply just be a result of not being able to learn through a certain
style or teachers not tapping into students particular strengths. As teachers we need to
make sure that our teaching instructions are rich in alternative strategies and
resources that can help all students. While it may take longer to write lesson
plans, it is not about us, it is about the students and doing what is best for
them.
Great post Elicia; I really enjoyed reading this! I agree it is so very important for teachers to realize the different strengths and weaknesses of their students and to get to know their individual learning styles. I think teaching in one style and one style only is becoming a thing of the past and today's teachers need to be flexible and adaptive to their students if they want to see their students succeed. Sadly, the reason I don't think this adaptive teaching style is occurring in every classroom is because of how much time it takes to make these changes in lesson plans and to accommodate for all types of learners. It is very true that this can be a time consuming task, but I truly believe that if teachers are in their professions for the right reasons, they should be more than willing to take that extra time to do what is best for their students in order to help them succeed!
ReplyDeleteLoved this post, I truly agree with everything that was said and always love reading about the multiple intelligences and I am a big supporter of them. I found it interesting though that when you spoke about teachers struggling to meet all these areas of instruction you spoke of factors such as not enough time or funding but you didn't speak of the fact that some teachers might not know how to teach to these different intelligences because when they were in school they probably weren't taught that way or because they do not learn the way of one intelligence.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post!! Although catering to each of the multiple intelligences and striving to incorporate them all into our instruction is one of the most basic thing EDEL majors are taught to do, I think it's important to keep reminding us how important it is to know that no student is alike and everyone learns differently. While it is important to note that some things, as you said, are out of the teachers control like funding, some things, like the time it takes to write a lesson that benefits all of our students IS in our control.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with your post! It is very important as educators to know that no students are alike when it comes to their learning styles as well as how they behave. It is important that we know how to teach each student based on their individual learning styles. I liked the first picture you posted of the graph that explained the different learning styles it was very helpful to have a picture going along with it. Sadly, most teachers do not take the time to edit their lesson plans to surround each individual students styles of learning.
ReplyDeletecouldn't agree more*
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