MI Chapter 2

MI Chapter 2

I thought the way the chapter opened up by stating that before we apply any model of learning in our classrooms, we as teachers and adult learners should have experience and understanding with it first. How can we begin to teach our students with a model of education that we ourselves do not fully understand? Even if we do not particularly like the model of learning, we as teachers can not throw it away because it might actually benefit certain student greatly. Thus, it is important to understand any model of teaching before being implemented. I would not even feel comfortable teaching something with a model I did not understand myself. I would feel embarrassed as a teacher if I did not know how to properly answer a basic question because I did not understand fully the model of learning. It seems irresponsible to me if you do not fully prepare yourself to bestow necessary knowledge to your students.

By using the MI Theory you can educate yourself on your potential weaknesses as an educator and strive towards working on them for the betterment of your students. Even as an educator it is okay to as for help for your colleagues and even your own students. We can learn just as much from our students as they do from us. Also, asking for help amongst colleagues is a sign of strength and shows dedication, excellent team work, and professionalism as a staff. Using available technology is also a smart alternative to help teach through potential weaknesses as an educator. I think as a teacher it is important to not be shy about your weaknesses and turn it into an opportunity for your students of colleagues to teach you something.

My favorite part of the chapter was learning about the different aspect such as historical periods, genetic, environmental, activators, and deactivators on intelligence. In this section of the chapter it makes it seem like there could have been a lot of highly intelligent losses due to historical time periods. The example it gave was what it Mozart had been born in Puritan England where practicing music was considered the devils work? Well, it seems like this could have actually happened to someone and their high intellect was wasted due to popular notions and beliefs. It makes me upset to think of someone who could have been highly gifted was in a time period where their intelligence was seen in a negative light. Also, those being born into a poor family that does not have the resources to help develop potential genius intelligence makes me feel sad. Same case with someone who had a deactivator in their life that inhibited something potentially great.