MI Chapter 11

I love the idea of using MI to highlight special education and that’s exactly what this chapter is about. One of my favorite things about MI is that it opens up a way for students to connect with one another through the similarities of their learning styles and creates a more understanding, tolerant atmosphere.

            Special education plays right into MI theory’s strengths because teachers are able to view students as people with strengths in learning styles, as well as their weakness. This is the first step in being able to use the theory to its full potential. The best way to work with a special needs child is to simply consider them a “neurodiverse” student. I love that idea because it is no different than highlighting specific learning styles in the classroom. Also having special needs students almost requires you to think about MI on a very regular basis, so the class as a whole can benefit from the specific needs of a few of its students.

            Introducing MI theory opens the door to talking about the differences in the classroom, and can help everyone understand that everyone has special needs and should be treated as such. A great way to show students how everyone, even famous people, and noted historical influences have had their fair share of problems, like Figure 11.2 points out. My favorite thing about MI theory is this allows students to be more comfortable with not just the people around them, but who they are. Many students going through school are insecure about multiple parts of their lives. Understanding that everyone has things that make them similar, but that their combination of things makes them unique, helps every student come to terms with their own needs.