Using multiple inteligences in a technical setting
I understand how being aware of multiple inteligences can be very beneficial. I teach physics to classes that range in size from 2 - 22. Following a series of physics classes, as well as other highly technical training, students are expected to pass difficult board certification exams. There is a specific body of knowlede that has to be imparted to the students. Is there room for a practical multiple-intelligence approach to instruction in such a setting?
Ezra,
Yes, and that is through the examples, and activities that you have your students do. You will be helping them to take the content and make application of it using their dominant intelligences to think critically and problem solve.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach a similar course. Over years of teaching I have found that I need to have the students read, write index cards, listen to lecture with PowerPoints, have hands-on sessions as well as using many examples of everyday practices to demonstrate the physics concepts. It is the most difficult course that I teach, but the one that I enjoy teaching the most. It is very rewarding trying to find different ways to get the concepts across then watching as the "light bulbs come on" when they finally get it.
Deanna,
Thanks for your comments in this forum. I can tell you are a dedicated professional that gets a lot of reward from student success. This is what excellence in teaching is all about. Keep up the good work!
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Ezra,
One of the courses I instruct is communication and critical thinking. The critical thinking area is quite difficult for many students and it is always interesting to see the different approaches during the online discussion board. The one thing I try to do is observe the class closely for the first week to distinguish the different intelligences. I than try to put like students together in the learning team scenario. Overall, using this strategy has been quite successful because it groups the students together with similiar styles and intelligences, which has allowed them to have a more positive learning team experience.
All the best,
Randi Plante
