Is School a Waste of Time?

In chapter 9, we learn about all the theories and models pertaining to intelligence. One of the most widely accepted of these theories is the theory of multiple intelligences developed by Dr. Howard Gardner. According to his theory, there are eight main categories of intelligence and each individual has strengths and weaknesses in different areas. In other words, we think, learn, and perceive things differently. There are many everyday applications of this theory but one of the most thought provoking and perhaps controversial of these is Gardner's own claim that schooling could be a waste of time and resources. According to Gardner, schools attempt to teach all students in the same manner which Gardner describes as the "Law Professor Mind". Teachers and professors commonly teach their curriculum to a linguistic and logical approach which leaves behind students with different intelligence strengths. According to Gardner, "Education in which everybody is treated the same is absolutely the most unfair education." I'm sure I'm not the only one who found that once I got to high school my parents were basically useless when it came to help with homework. This is because in order to truly learn an idea or concept, a person needs the ability to transform, recreate, ask questions, and do things hands on. If you're anything like me, then you probably find this topic rather depressing. But don't worry, there is hope. Teaching toward an intelligence area that isn't particularly strong actually strengthens it over time. So what does this mean? It means that if you're a college freshman like me, you've already had a lot of exposure to this "Law Professor Mind" approach. And yeah you may not think you remember much from 9th grade chemistry or even high school in general, but hey you retained enough to do well on the ACT. So next time you prepare for a test, try to mull things over a little more. Get to know the ideas you're trying to grasp, talk to classmates, apply real-life situations, and have a good attitude. By following these steps, you'll not only do well on the exam, but you just might learn something in the process.