WEEK 9: A BUSY WEEK: M. I. THEORY, LEARNING STYLES AND FINAL PROJECT PLANS!!!!!

Please, look at the picture before reading.  Which intelligence is missing?

On the topic of the Multiple Intelligence Theory by Howard Gardner, I can see that he  presents a new concept of intelligence and says that it is basically the capacity to solve problems using new knowledge. He also states that everybody has different types of intelligences (nine: Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence,  Mathematical-Logical Intelligence,   Musical Intelligence, Visual-Spatial Intelligence, Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence, Interpersonal Intelligence, Intrapersonal Intelligence,  Naturalist Intelligence, and Existential Intelligence)According to him, teachers can use the MI theory to improve education by addressing our students’ multiple intelligences. This theory also suggests that “The multiple intelligence classroom acts like the "real" world: the author and the illustrator of a book are equally valuable creators. Students become more active, involved learners.” At the end of the page you can click on each intelligence and learn more about it as well as the technology tools that support classroom activities you can use. http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic68.htm

It is incredible how fast time has passed during this course!!! This week I read about Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences Theory and its implications in learning.

Regarding learning styles, Richard M. Felder states that “students preferentially take in and process information in different ways: by seeing and hearing, reflecting and acting, reasoning logically and intuitively, analyzing and visualizing, steadily and in fits and starts. Teaching methods also vary. Some instructors lecture, others demonstrate or lead students to self-discovery; some focus on principles and others on applications; some emphasize memory and others understanding.” He also mentions different types of leaning styles:active and reflective learners, visual and verbal learners, sensing and intuitive learners.

Based on this information, I can say that I could use the ICT to give more learning opportunities to my students since technology allows the presentation of contents in a variety of ways such as: video, audio, images, email, interactive power point, interactive quizzes, forum participation, blogs, problem solving software, critical thinking software, Webquests, chats, computer generated games, course management systems (ANVILL) etc. By using these tools, all my students’ needs will be covered by setting different kinds of tasks and activities which make learning more meaningful and memorable than just using information that comes from textbooks. For more information about this you can check this link http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSdir/styles.htm

I also read an interesting article: “Forget What You Know About Good Study Habits”, written by Benedict Carey and Published on September 6, 2010 in the New York times. I found out some interesting facts about misconceptions related to study habits, such as: using a specific or quiet place to study, but research has found, it is better to study in two different places than studying something twice in the same room. There are more interesting findings about this so I am sure you will take a look at the article!!! at this link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/health/views/07mind.html?_r=3&ref=benedict_carey

This same article takes you to this link http://psi.sagepub.com/content/9/3/105.full in which you can find the paper “Concepts and Evidence” written by four cognitive psychologists: Harold Pashler, Mark McDaniel, Doug Rohrer and Robert Bjork written who argue that “there is no adequate evidence base to justify incorporating learning-styles assessments into general educational practice.” As you can see this article is very thought-provoking!!!!

Reading was important this week, however, the MOST relevant task I had to complete was my Final Project Plans based on the feedback provided by my peer.  Now I am looking forward to hearing my instructor’s comments and suggestions to improve it!!!