Chapter 2: MI and Personal Development

Standard question tests, such as the MI Inventory, do not fully show all of the intelligences a person may have. It is only a guide. Multiple tests and task orientated tests would provide a better base and is a more accurate picture of an individual's intelligences. The intelligences an individual has are strong because those intelligences have been practiced. The "weaker" intelligences just haven't been given a chance to develop. This chapter impacts me as a teacher by suggesting multiple ways in which I can develop my weaker intelligences. Partnering with a colleague that is strong in those intelligences can help, asking a student to demonstrate a way they like to learn, and using the schools resources are all ways to help develop weak intelligences. This impacts my students by me making adjustments to help them develop their weak intelligences. Their strong intelligences have been 'crystallized' by activators or experiences that allowed them to practice. The weak intelligences have been 'paralyzed' by certain experiences that turned the student off to that way of thinking. Also understanding why students' intelligences have been shut down will help them. The chapter gave biological, cultural, and personal history as possible reasons.