Mr. Hooper is a fifth-grade teacher at Mt. General ElementarySchool. He believes very strongly in Gardner's theory ofintelligence and that students have various areas of relativestrength and weakness. He has attended numerous workshops regardingthe application of multiple intelligence theory in the classroom.Over the years, he has developed a classroom that he believesfosters development in all of Gardner's eight Frames of Mind. Mr.Hooper's classroom is bright and cheerful. On the walls hangmotivational posters that he believes help children to think aboutwho they are and what they want out of life. In addition, the wallsare covered with student-produced art. The room has a conversationarea, a naturalist area, and a reading area, as well as the mainarea where each table accommodates four students. The conversationand reading areas have beanbag chairs so students can becomfortable and are set apart by rolling bookcases. The naturalistarea consists of a table filled with rocks, bird nests, shells, andother objects that Mr. Hooper's students have found. Mr. Hooper isalso fortunate enough to have three computers in his room. Mr.Hooper believes that allowing students to work in each academicarea within their areas of strength will enhance learning.Therefore, when studying the American Revolution, students whosestrength is in linguistic intelligence engage in research and writeabout what they have found. Those whose strength is spatialintelligence create maps of the colonies and battles. Those whosestrength is logical-mathematical reasoning compute distancesbetween points and estimate the amount of time required forsoldiers to travel. Students with high naturalistic intelligencediscuss the various plants and animals likely to be found indifferent regions of the colonies and discuss whether colonialsoldiers could have eaten them to ward off starvation. To ensurethat bodily-kinesthetic needs are met, Mr. Hooper regularly has hisstudents stand and either run in place or jump up and down.Interpersonal intelligence needs are met for all students throughthe use of cooperative learning groups. Intrapersonal intelligenceneeds are met through journaling. Mr. Hooper always has musicplaying while the students are working to help meet student'smusical intelligence needs.
To what extent do you believe Mr. Hooper has appropriatelyimplemented Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences? Why? Whatdo you think the student's reactions to this classroom would be?Why? How do you think parents would respond? Why? How could youimprove on Mr. Hooper's ideas? Explain.
