Theory of Multiple Intelligences
According to Howard Gardner, multiple intelligence tries to analyze and better understand the intelligence concept (Theory of Multiple bits of intelligence). He formulated eight types of multiple bits of intelligence namely; Verbal – Linguistics were it involves mostly reading, writing, speaking and listening. By so doing one finds the meaning of words, their tone of voice, style syntax, grammar, sentences, and usage. This is mostly used in schools during the learning process. Secondly was the Musical – Rhythmic, which according to Gardner involves singing, whistling, humming and music of all kinds. This second type of intelligence helps us to determine melody, pitch, harmony, tone, timbre as well as rhythm, notes, chords and types of instruments and music. It can also be used to help a person in learning how to play a musical instrument as well as composing music. Then thirdly he talks about Visual – spatial intelligence which basically concerned with conceiving and mental manipulating visual images. It helps us determine the form, color, angle, and texture. It is also responsible for the perception of harmony, movement, and flow, recognition of human faces and expressions among others. The others include Logical-Mathematics "reasoning using logic or mathematics", Bodily -Kinesthetic "using one's body with comfort and skill", Naturalist "survival skills in the natural world", Interpersonal "understanding and empathizing with others" and lastly Intrapersonal "understanding oneself and introspection" (Dario Nardia 2001).
According to the Tooling manual on the five steps to realizing workforce training success, Effective workforce training and development is a process in our case we can relate the above to developing good students in school. For example, if you are to teach a History lesson about a country lets say China u need to follow 5 steps plans to ensure its success. They include:
- Investigation, you first need to research conclusively about your topic before you can begin teaching it.
- Secondly you have to plan your lessons to ensure which will include the learning methods most applicable.
- Thirdly you will embark on the development of a strategy that will guarantee that you succeed in delivering your history lesson on China effectively.
- Fourthly You execute your teaching method to ensure that it effective you may use case studies, pictures of china or even video clips to ensure that your lesson is well understood.
- Finally you have to document your results from teaching students on china, employ methods such as assessment tests or quizzes to ascertain their understanding (Tooling University 2009).
According to Randi McCreary Classroom management can view as the strategy and method the educator employs to maintain a conducive learning classroom environment for the students' successful learning. Although several strategies have been brought forward for good classroom management the bottom line is that making sure that student learns in an environment that will enable them to achieve .Randi comes up with 5 steps to achieving good classroom management and they are as follows.Proximity, over seethis helps edoverseethe classroom happenings with ease. Strolling in the class room and approaching the canning students in class may reduce that act. It is further argued that when a teach remains stagnant in a single place while in class the students my engage in rather unpleasant behaviors (Randi McCreary).
Randi further talks about class room seating arrangement, He says that this may lead to loosing grip on the class. If the chairs are arranged in a disorderly manner this may restrict the teachers movement in and about the class a factor that may pave way for mischief among students. Equally when the desks are arranges too close to one another, this might prompt students to over socialize hence making a lot of noise in class (Randi McCreary)."Even if some students are not new to your class, on the first day of school it is a good idea to take a few minutes to conduct a room tour after students take their seats. This orientation can help students become familiar with the unique aspect of the room". It is also prudent to let the students pick up their own seating places this will help them understand well for they will seated in a position they feel comfortable in (Gaddy and Barbara).
Order and consistency is yet another aspect that can guarantee smooth class management practices.According to Randi, "Having a consistent set of procedures and routines that the students are familiar with will help the classroom run like a well-oiled machine". This includes following a certain procedure while taking lunch. (Randi McCreary).With reference to the "hand book on class room management that works". Teachers should employ using tactics such as icebreaker exercises and other and also making the students familiar with the classroom routine activities. As a teacher one should welcome the students during the first day at school, make them introduce themselves to one another either formally or informally. A teacher can employ the" Class room Door Meet and Greet", where the teacher stands at the entrance to the class and shaking hands and introducing yourself to every student as they walk past you into the class room. Another way may be through the "Seat Based Welcome", this is where the teacher moves around the class introducing himself to the seated students (Gaddy and Barbara).
Another issue with class room management is ensuring that respect prevails around the class room. Randi stresses that before anything is begins their must be a realization of the importance of respect between the teacher and students. Students must acknowledge a set or rules that they have to adhere to in order to succeed in their school. It is also prudent to not that students will only respect a teacher who respects them in turns, in this case respect is a mutual(Randi McCreary).
Robert J.Marzano, Barbara B.Gaddy, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Maria C.Foseid, 2005) also sheds some light on the respect aspect by emphasizing that the teacher should set a stage where he or she tells the students the importance of adhering to procedures and rules. The teacher can further quiz the students of the order of things had there been no rules and regulations to govern the school (Gaddy and Barbara).
In a nutshell Randi talks about the aspect of trial and error, In order to achieve good class management one must base on the trial and error principle. Knowing and getting to comprehend what works best for the class is all based on the above method. The most important part of class management is to involve the students in each and every aspect of class activities. From the formulation of classroom rules and procedures, to allowing them liberty to pick their own seating positions in class among others classroom activities (Randi McCreary).
