Book Review

Ryan, T. (1994) Brainstorms. Australia: Headfirst Publishing.

This book consists of a series of 98 activities which can be reproduced as cards for use in the classroom.

In his introduction Tony Ryan puts forward the belief that all students learn in different ways, noting that studies in this area often focus on notions such as 'multiple intelligences', 'learning styles', 'sensory enhancement' and 'multi-modal learning'. He states that 'Whatever the terminology used, the key point is that every human being has access to a phenomenal array of paths through which learning happens' (p.1).

This particular book of activities is based mainly on Gardner's multiple intelligences. However, Ryan does issue the caution that 'placing the various intellects into a series of orderly boxes does not indicate that we use them in this fashion ... it merely provides a clearer understanding of their construct' (p.1).

He places a great deal of importance on Gardner's Intrapersonal section which promotes a deeper awareness and understanding of self: metacognition, and an ability to reflect on one's personal abilities and performance. He sees this Intrapersonal area as having two major facets:

• the intuitive - a sense of knowing, without the need to resort to more formal and structured ways of understanding;

• the ecological - a process of learning through a natural alignment with the earth, and establishing that connection within the body, mind and spirit (p.2).

The activities Ryan has provided in his book do encompass all of Gardner's Multiple Intelligences but with special emphasis on the Intrapersonal, reflecting his belief that 'it will become the focal point for 21st century schooling, because of its alignment with two vital principles of learning - the development of self and the creating of an ecological re-connection' (p.3).

I agree with Ryan in wanting educators to take advantage of students' different ways of learning and knowing. I see these activities as being valuable sources of enrichment and my students have found them to be both entertaining and worthwhile. In fact, one of my students, who is inclined to rebel against most things offered, went out of her way to design a record card for herself as she wanted to complete all 98 activities: 'I need a signature Mrs W. I can prove to everyone then that I done 'em. They're good, you know, not boring at all.'

She then went on to offer to photocopy her blank record sheet for anyone else who wanted to embark on the 'adventure' with her. I was thrilled that she even bothered to look at the cards, let alone want to do them. Getting the box from her so that others can use the cards has been my biggest problem to date. She seems to have taken possession of the whole kit.

I have seen the cards used successfully by students of vastly different levels. Each card seems to be able to be answered at different levels while still maintaining the worth of the activity. One example is Brainstorm number 33: 'List five of the most important contributions that you intend to make to our planet in your lifetime' (p.20). I have seen answers ranging from being a garbage collector to working on alternative ways of feeding mass populations effectively, to changing atmospheric conditions using a range of invented methods. Students use their own levels of thinking to solve a given question.

Some questions posed fulfil Renzulli's Type 3 enrichment where 'the student becomes an actual investigator of a real problem or topic by using appropriate methods of inquiry' (Renzulli & Reis, 1985: 110). Those students who are gifted/talented usually go on to perform at higher levels here because they have the interest and commitment to the more difficult tasks.

This book of activities has been a great success in my classroom, with enthusiasm shown by most students for its mix of creative ideas and practical problems.

Reference

Renzulli, J.S. & Reis, S.M. (1985) The Schoolwide Enrichment Model. A Comprehensive Plan for Educational Excellence. Mansfield Center: Creative Learning Press.

Sheryl Ward
Yeppoon, Qld  

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