Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences defines 9 different types of
intelligence. I really enjoyed learning that this was an actual theory,
and made me think of all the terms we use to describe different people. For
example, so and so is 'book' smart, or 'street' smart, etc. What I also findd
most interesting about this class in general is how the material takes and defines concepts
that are so familiar to us in our daily life.
I think that intelligence can be an incredibly difficult thing to quantify. Someone with dyslexia, for example, can be highly intelligent, and yet if not diagnosed and treated their schoolwork would certainly not reflect that. My moms cousin has a chromosomal disorder called Turner Syndrome. You would not know anything was wrong with her if you were to meet him, and in fact people often remark about how crazy smart he is. At age 9 she is reading at a 12th grade level. However, statistically about 70-80% with TS develop something called Non-verbal Learning Disability which, loosely defined, means difficulty with non-verbal tasks and spatial issues. So he might end up having difficulties with math, or reading body language. Either way I don't think that makes him less intelligent. Saying that someone is smart only if they meet one particular set of criteria is ridiculous. Therefore, I really liked Gardner's work, and how he changed that viewpoint.
I also love Gardner's belief that schools should teach to all intelligences, and not just the traditional ones. He believed that teachers should get to know each individual on their own intelligence profile, and teach to that. Now, if only that were the case! Think about how many more kids would excel at school. Maybe we can value education enough that it will be funded completely to allow that.
I think that intelligence can be an incredibly difficult thing to quantify. Someone with dyslexia, for example, can be highly intelligent, and yet if not diagnosed and treated their schoolwork would certainly not reflect that. My moms cousin has a chromosomal disorder called Turner Syndrome. You would not know anything was wrong with her if you were to meet him, and in fact people often remark about how crazy smart he is. At age 9 she is reading at a 12th grade level. However, statistically about 70-80% with TS develop something called Non-verbal Learning Disability which, loosely defined, means difficulty with non-verbal tasks and spatial issues. So he might end up having difficulties with math, or reading body language. Either way I don't think that makes him less intelligent. Saying that someone is smart only if they meet one particular set of criteria is ridiculous. Therefore, I really liked Gardner's work, and how he changed that viewpoint.
I also love Gardner's belief that schools should teach to all intelligences, and not just the traditional ones. He believed that teachers should get to know each individual on their own intelligence profile, and teach to that. Now, if only that were the case! Think about how many more kids would excel at school. Maybe we can value education enough that it will be funded completely to allow that.
Intellegence is not book smart or street smart in my opinion, I believe it comes from life experiences as well. Many are sheltered from what really goes on in the world as far as drugs drinking and money. This I belive can make one nieve to a situation that either a book or smarts from the street can help figure out what is the right thing to do. I tried to keep it to a minimum when it came to the boys and my sister but you can't hide things forever you just need the smarts or tools to deal with them as they come up.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reply!
DeleteFor me, wisdom is insight into life and comes with time and real life experiences. Intelligence is just knowledge or 'book smart' as Gardner's Theory calls it. Though they can go hand in hand, I don't think that knowledge and wisdom are the same. But this is just my opinion, and I guess it all depends on how you look at it.
I do agree with you about not sheltering your children from the world. I don't have kids myself but I was brought up in a very big and strict family. Yes, you should teach your children in a smart way so they know what to expect. They will be in that world weather you want it or not as a parent. And if they don't have the common sense or the social skills, that leaves them more vulnerable, and they can make those bad choices. But from my experience, ultimately it is up to them. I remember getting all the great advise and attention, but it really didn't sink in until I was around my 20's.