Multiple Intelligence

“Tell me and I’ll forget to show me, I may remember to involve me, I’ll understand.” This is a proverb we have heard many times; however, we always question that is it the case with all children.

No, Children learn in many ways all children are intelligent. When you hear the word intelligence, the concept of IQ testing comes immediately into your mind. Intelligence is often defined as our intellectual potential; something we are born with; presently many of the preschools around the world still go by a predominantly mathematical- logical; linguistic educational program.

One downside to this is that many learners who have gifts outside this conventional educational program are labeled as underachievers Eg. Richard Branson; Steven Spielberg did not do well academically, but their sheer talent in other areas eventually led them to become successful in their respective fields.

In the year 1983, Prof Haward Gardener developed the theory of “Multiple Intelligence”. According to this theory, there are ways of being intelligent, intelligence is not about what we know; but how we learn.

Here are more details of each intelligent

1) Bodily Kinaesthetic:

People here control body movements objects skillfully, they usually express things through movements; have a profound sense of eye-hand co-ordination

2) Verbal Linguistic:

People here have the capacity to use language to express what’s on their mind, they think in words more than in pictures.

3) Intrapersonal Intelligence:

People here are good at being aware of their own emotional states, feelings, motivations. They tend to enjoy- self-reflection.

4) Mathematical; Logical Intelligence:

People here are strong in logical-mathematical are good at reasoning & analyze problems logically, they are excellent with problem-solving skills.

5) Visual-Spatial Intelligence:

Visually intelligent people have the ability to think in terms of visuals, they are good at expressing things visually.

6) Musical Rhythmic Intelligence:

People here recognize rhythms; patterns; are sensitive to environmental sounds.

7) Naturalist:

People here are high on sensitivity to the natural world. They learn best by studying the natural phenomenon, in a natural setting
Once we acknowledge that there is more than one way of being intelligent, we start accepting each child is uniquely different, then teachers will make an effort to identify the child’s unique strengths. And that will boost the child’s self-esteem; self-confidence immeasurably. Eg: The moment we consider a child good in music at par with a child good in math, at par with a child good in
making friends open a new avenue of opportunities for children to succeed.

The teachers’ approach towards the child, the child’s approach towards learning change, when children are accepted as intelligent.

Based on this educator they should first be trained to acknowledge the different talents; gifts that each student possesses; therefore helps them reach their full potential instead of perceiving all students alike MI(Multiple Intelligence) helps to not only pick up the strength of a child but also gives an opportunity to strengthen the weakness. This will also give teachers the to present
their lessons in a wide variety of ways using child-centric learning art activities, stimulation activities, multimedia, out of the classroom; self-reflective activities. Encourage the child to think about how new experiences make him/her feel; offer plenty of chances to explore topics on his/her own.

But above all we see the child as an individual; a unique being. We should respect that every child is different. We should nurture, educate; celebrate each child’s culture, belief system; values.

 

Also read: How important is cleanliness at school

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