USING MY STRENGTHS IN MY TEACHING

2.2.3: REFLECTION

Looking at my Multiple Intelligence assessment score, I can see and rightly so, that my unique mix of intelligence include:

1. Naturalistic intelligence (100%) - the ability to identify and distinguish between different types of plants, animals, and weather formations found in the natural world. Being naturalistic, I help my students to use process skills to obtain scientific data by observing specimens in their natural environment. 
2. Intra-personal intelligence (94%) - people's ability to recognize and assess their own moods, desires, motivations, and intentions. this is important in helping students studying at their own in order to make sense of content on their own.  
3. Visual-spatial intelligence (83%) - allowing people to comprehend maps and other types of graphical information. My specialist area of Chemistry requires conducting practical experiments and research. Often data is presented graphically, and visual-spatial intelligence is important in analyzing and interpret it. Without this, my students would find the subject quite abstract. 
4. Logical-mathematical intelligence (81%) - describing the ability to develop equations and proofs, make calculations, and solve abstract problems. Logical-mathematical intelligence also helps me explain calculations and solve abstract problems with my students. 
5. Verbal-linguistic intelligence (75%) - referring to an individual's ability to analyze information and produce work that involves oral and written language, such as speeches, books, and memos. The greatest work of a teacher is to explain issues. Here, the verbal-linguistic intelligence is very important especially where the content is abstract. 
6. Musical intelligence (75%) - that enables individuals to produce and make meaning of different types of sound. 

We can know students' mix of intelligencies by interacting with them during classroom instruction and out of class activities. Another way is to make visits to students' homes and interact with parents. Additionally, it can be done through discussion with fellow teachers and monitoring learners' performance in specific areas. However, we could also subject our students to the same assessment scores as we've done too ourselves. 

We can use the knowledge of students' mix of intelligence to benefit them in the following ways: 

1. Make sure your students know why the material is worth learning.
2. Create a classroom where student input about content and pedagogy is welcome. 
3. Vary your presentation style.
4. Highlight critical concepts and skills. 
5. Approach the material interactively. 
6.  Create a support system because some students need additional help if they are to succeed.