Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom- Chapter 8: MI and Classroom Management

Chapter eight of Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom discusses MI theory and how it is related to classroom management. MI theory can be applied to classroom management in many ways. Currently most teachers rely only on the linguistic intelligence in classroom management. The chapter described several ways that teachers can use other intelligences to do things related to classroom management like getting students to stop talking. An example of this could be if a teacher resorted to silence to get students to stop talking which uses the intrapersonal intelligence. Other methods for silencing a class that use different multiple intelligences include: writing on the blackboard, clapping, putting a finder to the lips, pointing to a picture, keeping track of wasted time, using the “pass it on” method, simply starting the lesson or playing music. MI theory can be used for moving students to another area of the school, like a way a teacher could send students to lunch is by playing music when it was time for lunch. This gets their attention using their musical intelligence and the teacher does not have to yell to get over the students talking. Other methods to transition students that use different multiple intelligences include: drawing a picture of where the students should be going or using body signals. MI theory can be used for the formation of groups for group work. An example of this is if a teacher asks students to form into groups based off what students are wearing. This uses students spatial intelligence and lets them form into groups in a creative way. Other methods to group students that use different multiple intelligences include: grouping based on who is right and left handed or grouping students by birthdays. MI theory can be used for disciplinary purposes too. An example of this is if a student is breaking the rules a teacher can say a number of the rule they are breaking. This number system correlates with their logical intelligence and works better then describing to the student what rule they are breaking. Other methods to discipline students that use different multiple intelligences include: peer group counseling, development of a behavioral contract, using animal metaphors or talking with the students.
Over all the class like this chapter because of its many helpful suggestions in managing a class using MI theory. Most people agreed that the suggestions for grouping students were very useful because not only did they use multiple intelligences but they randomly grouped students. Many people in the class mentioned how they had difficulties with classroom management within their placement and how they intend to use suggestions from this chapter to help with that. There were some people who thought that some of the suggestions for classroom management were not age appropriate for secondary education students. Many felt that in middle/high school class transitions are handled just fine by the bell.