Chapter 10: MI

Chapter 10 discussed ways to asses students with multiple intelligences. Research has shows in recent years that authentic methods of testing has proven to be a better way to gauge student's understanding as opposed to multiple choice and tests of the like. The best way arguably to assess a student is by observation. " Observing students solving problems or fashioning products in real-life contexts provide the best picture of student competencies in the range of subjects taught in school" (MI page 89). Documentation comes next as important components of assessing a students problem solving methods. There a several projects that have been put into place to create models of assessment that work with the philosophy of MI theory. Among them are Project Spectrum which consists of "rich and engaging activities forming an integral part of the spectrum curriculum"(MI page 92), and Key Learning Community in which an educator uses videotape in their assessment. As students work with MI projects documenting their learning can be done effectively by using MI portfolios. MI theory suggests expanding to include materials from each of the eight intelligences. The following quote sums up MI theory assessment very well: "Ultimately, MI theory provides an assessment framework within which students can have their rich and complex lives acknowledged, celebrated, and nurtured" (MI page 101).