Teaching Every Individual Child

Teaching Every Individual Child In every classroom, in every school you will find students with different backgrounds, knowledge, abilities, and different learning styles, all of which should be acknowledged to maximize learning for all students. Since each student has his/her own dominate learning style they should not be expected to learn in a one size fits all classroom. The myriad teaching styles and techniques create a classroom in which how we teach is as important as what we teach. “According to Howard Gardner, children are capable of at least eight distinct intelligences” (Berk, 2002). They are verbal/linguistic, logical/mathematical, visual/spatial, musical/rhythmic, bodily/kinesthetic, naturalist, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. A person with verbal/linguistic intelligence learns best through listening to verbal lectures, dialogue, debate, and impromptu speaking. Logical/mathematical intelligence shows strong math and problem solving skills, like to predict, analyze, and theorize, and recognizes relationships, connections, and patterns. A person who has visual/spatial intelligence usually has an active imagination. They like to use visual supports, such as videos, pictures, photos, charts, and posters. They have the ability to find their way mentally and physically around their environment. Musical/rhythmic intelligence is sensitive and drawn to sound. They can remember songs easily and have the ability to perceive pitch, tone, and rhythmic pattern. People that have bodily/kinesthetic intelligence use their bodies to accomplish a task. They like to get up and move around, they like to use fine and gross motor skills, and learn topic or idea with a physical gesture associated. A naturalist enjoys the outdoors; they like to categorize objects, and study books and videos about nature. A person who has interpersonal intelligence knows and interacts successfully with others. They enjoy working with, caring for and, learning with others. They have the

References: Berk, L.E., (2002). Infants and Children Prenatal Through Middle Childhood (4 th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Bonner, F.A., Marbley, A. & Angello, M.F. (2004). The diverse learner in the college classroom. E-Journal of Teaching &Learning in Diverse Settings. Retrieved June 26, 2009, from http://www.cehd.tamu.edu Brualdi, A, C. (1996) 'Multiple Intelligences: Gardner 's Theory. ERIC Digest ', Eric Digests, http://www.ericdigests.org/1998-1/multiple.htm Retrieved on July 1, 2009. Goode, S. Willis, R.A., Wolf, J.R., & Harris, A.L.,(2007), Enhancing is education with flexible teaching and learning