MI Chapter 1: The Foundations of MI Theory

         Throughout this chapter it discussed many of the aspects of MI Theory.  It started out by introducing the eight intelligences the theory deals with, while also taking the time to describe each on thoroughly. The book surprised me by saying that Gardner believed “that virtually everyone has the capacity to develop all eight intelligences to reasonably high levels of performance.” (Pg. 15) Through this chapter I was able to learn that this is one theory of intelligences. I would have never imagined there could be anywhere from 1 to 150 intelligences that exist. This chapter has not only opened my eyes to the multiple intelligences but has also showed me that there are certain key facts about them as well, such as the fact that each intelligence has certain operations when doing an activity. I discovered that people could be intelligence specific meaning they demonstrate different levels of each intelligence in certain areas, such as having a good memory with places but not people.

            This text impacted me by giving me the information needed to understand myself better. Through the reading I was able to make sense of why I am good in some areas but not in others. I have been told through the text that I possess all eight intelligences. This has challenged me to enhance the intelligences that have weak levels of performance.  Through the reading I was able to understand that when I was younger I may have had intelligences that were stronger but weakened in performance over time. This is because I didn’t use those intelligences as much because I didn’t need them. Through the reading I have been challenged to better acquaint myself with the eight intelligences, so I can help my students learn better one day.

            Throughout the reading, I was able to better understand MI theory, which will help me when working with my students. What I have learned will make it easier for me to understand how to help a student who are struggling to learn key information. It has opened my eyes to many different ways I can teach my students to help them better grasp the information being given. Through this I will also know ways I can possibly incorporate each intelligence type into my lessons to improve the class.