Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory
Gardner's theory suggests that 'intelligence' is not reflected in one static way but manifests itself differently in everyone. Gardner believes there are 8 different intelligences and each individual is 'smart' in their own facet. For example, because one child can memorize his multiplication tables does not simply mean he is more intelligent than a child who may have more difficulty doing this. It may just mean the other child may excel in a different area.
Gardner would suggest that a good lesson is one which draws upon many different intelligences at once. In an ECE classroom it is likely the teacher would verbally administer an MI test and collect the results for their reference.
The following link offers more information on what Multiple Intelligence Theory is and offers tests varied for different age levels - BGFL
Multiple Intelligence test for an ECE classroom - includes directions! - Survey
Gardner would suggest that a good lesson is one which draws upon many different intelligences at once. In an ECE classroom it is likely the teacher would verbally administer an MI test and collect the results for their reference.
The following link offers more information on what Multiple Intelligence Theory is and offers tests varied for different age levels - BGFL
Multiple Intelligence test for an ECE classroom - includes directions! - Survey
Multiple Intelligence is a great theory to bring into a classroom because it teaches our students that we are all special in our own way. An idea would be to even post the 8 different intelligences in the room and then have students put a picture of themselves under the intelligence that most suits them. For example:
(image taken from http://lessonplansos.blogspot.ca/2011/06/end-of-year-beginning-of-year.html)
(image taken from http://lessonplansos.blogspot.ca/2011/06/end-of-year-beginning-of-year.html)
Differentiated Instruction
Most people are able to see the humour in the above cartoon - the irony is that by asking every animal to complete the same 'exam' the instructor is taking away the 'fairness' because each animal has different abilities.
This is exactly why we shouldn't ask our students to complete the exact same assessments. Fair is not equal. There are many different ways to differentiate instruction and assessment including through content, process, and product.
The following website is one that explains in more depth exactly what DI is and provides teachers with helpful strategies to incorporate in their own classroom. Click here to access.
This is exactly why we shouldn't ask our students to complete the exact same assessments. Fair is not equal. There are many different ways to differentiate instruction and assessment including through content, process, and product.
The following website is one that explains in more depth exactly what DI is and provides teachers with helpful strategies to incorporate in their own classroom. Click here to access.
Bloom's Taxonomy
Bloom's Taxonomy is a classification system that allows teacher to be sure they are assessing different levels of thinking from their students. Ideally we should be using different levels of Bloom's in each lesson we teach to engage learners of different ability. Below is an image outlining the six levels of Bloom's and what each level assess.
Bloom's Taxonomy Model Questions and Verbs - offers teachers with an idea of what level of thinking you are requiring from your students based on the verb used in the question.
