T.M.I

The Theory of Multiple Intelligence I found quite invigorating. It takes into account not only the ability to learn, but the fact that there are multiple ways to which an individual learner, adult or child, excels in learning. For instance you can have intelligence in music, math, linguistics, nature, reading, special, interpersonal, intrapersonal and kinesthetic. Having multiple areas one can succeed in, as we all do, gives a much better and I believe truer realization and inclusion of intelligence. I believe that Garder was right in that standardized tests only test how well you can take a test. I have never liked them nor put much stock into what they show about what they consider intelligent.

            I grew up in a household with a father who was a musician and scientists as well as a mother who was a teacher and artist; this helped to round out my view of the “renaissance” man mentality. That being the ability to do many things and to know what you can do well and what you need work on. But the main part of it was that you have multiple ways that you can be smart and how to use those talents as most refer to them and hone in on the strongest ones. But one must also maintain flexibility and be willing to explore even that which may not be our strong point. A great for instance is Einstien one of the most important and influential scientific thinkers of our era. Einstien believed that you must have balance in your life in order to think outside of your box or a more recent ideal is living in your stretch zone.

     In this model of thinking and personal improvement, a user needs to stay out of their comfort zone, where they are most comfortable and no change is initiated, and not get into their panic zone, where there is too much change at one time.  This is vital for success, learning and incorporation of new ideals and knowledge. After all how can we learn if we do not introduce something new?