Your Many Intelligences, version 2015

Happy New Year!  Welcome to 2015!!  Ready for a new semester?

How was your break?  Ready to jump into school, learning, and your intelligence?  (Of course you are!)

Have you ever heard of Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences?  Instead of just IQ, Dr. Gardner suggested people have a variety of "types" of intelligence.  He originally proposed 7 intelligences, then 8, and now some say 9, but here are two video options for you to learn about the different intelligences.

This video "defines" each intelligence with animated images:



This video looks like a student project, and there is a bit of narration with the images:



I know you're anxious to determine your type of intelligence, and here's your opportunity!  Please take one of the surveys online found either here, here (click "Take the Test") or here.  All three are different formats and offer different type of feedback, but my scores were the same.  Did you have one dominant intelligence, or were there several top intelligences?  Dr. Gardner's official site is called MI Oasis, and he still teaches at Harvard.  You may find additional definitions and more information about intelligences at the websites here, here, here, or here.

Next, please submit your findings and reflections in this Google form.  Please complete the surveys and the responses by next Tuesday, January 13, 10 PM.

Thank you, and as always, I look forward to reading your responses!
(Don't forget to hit "Submit" at the end of your survey!)

Did you enjoy learning about multiple intelligences?  If you found any other interesting information, videos, or links, please post in the comments below!

Math Is... 2014 Version

If I didn't teach math, I would love to teach English because I enjoy reading so much! I especially loved reading your Mathographies, and I captured your "Math is..." comments in the wordle below:

Please allow me to address some of your questions and concerns here:

• Even though my "other job" carries a lot of responsibilities, when I am with my classes, you are my priority. If you have questions or need tutoring, I will find time for you, and I have been known to tutor during every period of the day! Talk to me, I'll check my calendar, and we'll work out something that is mutually convenient.
• Feel free to email your questions, too. I usually shut down my school email early (8:00 PM) but I begin answering email super early in the morning. Check my website for answer keys and videos that may help, too. Ask a friend or find another math teacher to help! 
• Some people prefer groups, some people working alone...we'll do both. For those who prefer individual work time, the "collaboration" work time will require you to stretch, I know. I completely get it because I am a huge introvert. I try to accommodate many learning preferences, but I also want you to grow as a learner.
• Several people commented that they tend to shut down when they get frustrated or don't understand something, and I plan to help you conquer that mindset. (Here are tips to change from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.)  In my class, I hope you will develop a growth mindset about learning, I want you to appreciate the struggle, and learn that making mistakes is OK! I've created a slideshow with my favorite quotes about learning and struggle, and it's on my website homepage. It's so important that I'll add it here, too! 
• My favorite growth mindset comment was from the person who wrote, "I like to work in groups with people who are smarter than I am." Awesome! What a way to show that you're willing to take risks, stretch yourself, and learn from others.
• One of my number one priorities is that our class is SAFE...safe for you to take risks, safe to make mistakes in your learning journey, and safe to ask as many questions as you need!
• Your notes will definitely help prepare for your test. I know we have rushed through some notes, but I hope you'll take the time to return to your notes, process the material, and fill in any blanks (steps, definitions, etc.)
• A few people were worried about the weight of tests. I will do my part to make certain you're prepared for tests, but you'll have to do your part, too! Find some useful study tips here and here.
• By the way, we're learning all about reference angles to work right triangle problems (SOHCAHTOA) and vectors, which are also used in physics.

If you have any questions or other concerns, feel free to leave your questions in the comments below.

Thanks so much for a great start to PAP pre-calculus!

Mathmagically Yours,

Ms. Laster

Enjoy some of my favorite mindset quotes!

Your MANY Intelligences

Happy New Year!  Welcome to 2014!!  Ready for a new semester?

How was your break?  Ready to jump into school, learning, and your intelligence?  (Of course you are!)

Have you ever heard of Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences?  Instead of just IQ, Dr. Gardner suggested people have a variety of "types" of intelligence.  He originally proposed 7 intelligences, then 8, and now some say 9, but here are two video options for you to learn about the different intelligences.

Both videos were created by teachers.  The first video is straight forward, and includes words, definitions, and pictures. The second video is a made-up song and animation, originally created for young children, but it  is cute (like School House Rock cute) in an elementary school way ... choose which one seems better for you!





I know you're anxious to determine your type of intelligence, and here's your opportunity!  Please take one of the surveys online found either here, here (click "Take the Test") or here.  (If another teacher gives you a paper version of an MI survey, feel free to use that quiz, rather than an online version.)  All three are different formats and offer different type of feedback, but my scores were the same.  Did you have one dominant intelligence, or were there several top intelligences?  You may find definitions and more information about intelligences at the websites here, here, here, or here.  There are so many resources, but I tried to pick ones that weren't too teacher-y.

Next, please submit your findings and reflections in this Google form.  Please complete the surveys and the responses by next Wednesday, January 15, 10 PM.

Thank you, and as always, I look forward to reading your responses!
(Don't forget to hit "Submit" at the end of your survey!)

Did you enjoy learning about multiple intelligences?  If you found any other interesting information, videos, or links, please post in the comments below!

Hooray for the End!

I can't believe it's already time to end the year!  It seems like you were just here last week completing your math-ography and survey.

Here's one last post for you, and I would really appreciate your feedback.  I think it is very important to reflect and learn from each experience, so I would like to know what you think about our class and my teaching.  In addition, for my "other" job, I think your feedback about teaching in general could help teachers new to LHHS.  The last part of the questionnaire asks you to reflect a bit on your own year.

I have created this survey that you may complete at any time this week.  Your feedback will help me improve my teaching, but please be considerate about how you respond.  (I accept your constructive criticism, but please justify your responses--just like on our tests!)  You do not have to include your name, and you do not need to complete every question.

If you want to share your summer plans, feel free to post in the comments.  (My sister will be here in 2 weeks, so for me, summer starts with family fun!)

A few end of year quotes for you...

“Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and they will come true.”

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.”

“Even a mistake may turn out to be the one thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement.”

Thanks so much for your time!

More importantly, thanks for a great year!

You're Intelligent in How Many Ways???

Happy New Year!  Welcome to 2013!!  Ready for a new semester?

How was your break?  Ready to jump into school, learning, and your intelligence?  (Of course you are!)

Have you ever heard of Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences?  Instead of just IQ, Dr. Gardner suggested people have a variety of "types" of intelligence.  He orginally proposed 7 intelligences, then 8, and now some say 9, but here are two video options for you to learn about the different intelligences.

Both videos were created by teachers.  The first video is straight forward, and includes words, definitions, and pictures. The second video is a made-up song and animation, originally created for young children, but it  is cute (like School House Rock cute) in an elementary school way ... choose which one seems better for you!





I know you're anxious to determine your type of intelligence, and here's your opportunity!  Please take one of the surveys online found either here, here (click "Take the Test") or here.  (If another teacher gives you a paper version of an MI survey, feel free to use that quiz, rather than an online version.)  All three are different formats and offer different type of feedback, but my scores were the same.  Did you have one dominant intelligence, or were there several top intelligences?  You may find definitions and more information about intelligences at the websites here, here, here, or here.  There are so many resources, but I tried to pick ones that weren't too teacher-y.

Next, please submit your findings and reflections in this Google form.  Please complete the surveys and the responses by next Wednesday, January 16, 10 PM.

Thank you, and as always, I look forward to reading your responses!
(Don't forget to hit "Submit" at the end of your survey!)

Did you enjoy learning about multiple intelligences?  If you found any other interesting information, videos, or links, please post in the comments below!