EdResources8™ Issue 7

Call Me Dismal:

I'm writing this issue of EdResources8™ a few hours before the first election returns are announced. Since my track record for selecting winning candidates is a notch below rarely, I anticipate another long election night of heated frustration tempered by a well made frozen margarita (or two).

All this brings me to the neuron demanding topic of intelligence. During my stint as computer lab teacher I observed time and time again children labeled as "slow" or "troublemaker" produce finely rendered, in-depth, imaginitive work. Often they would use full-fledged productivity software such as HyperStudio, PowerPoint, CAD software etc. Without the least bit of fear and with an aggressive attack mode they would cleverly create visual, musical, and word metaphors for complex abstract ideas.

Something is obviously going on here. The concept is known as multiple intelligences. The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, according to Dr. Howard Gardner, "suggests that our culture and school systems that reflect our culture teach, test, reinforce and reward primarily two kinds of intelligence: verbal/linguistic and logical/mathematical. His theory proposes that there are at least seven other kinds of intelligence that are equally important. They are "languages" that most people speak, and that cut through cultural, educational, and ability differences. They include visual/spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence." For more information check out the following web site: http://www.newhorizons.org/trm_gardner.html

This week's web sites give learners the opportunity to develop those 'other' intelligences. They may used directly through an internet conncection but also feel free to borrow the ideas and create content for your particular classroom situation.