Psychology: Howard Gardner Intelligence Paper
I. Introduction: Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Harvard Psychologist Howard Earl Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences presents a model of intelligence that differentiates it into modalities (e.g., bodily-kinesthetic, visual-spatial, interpersonal, logico-mathematical, etc.), rather than a single general ability (i.e., intelligence quotient). Although people were born with intellectual potentials, under Gardner’s Theory, it is only one or many of the facets of the many intelligences that a person could possibly have. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, for instance, refers to individuals’ ability to use a part or whole of his body dexterously. Some of the people with this type of intelligence are physical trainers, surgeons, drivers, etc. On the other hand, people who have outstanding competencies dealing with other individuals have high level of interpersonal skills. Examples of people under this group are coaches, teachers, politicians, counselors, and the like. People with visual-spatial intelligence have keen spatial judgment or visualizing power using their mind’s eyes. They can readily recognize and use patterns to develop their own 3D models, artworks, designs, etc. Examples of individuals under this intelligence category are graphic artists, architects, interior designers, etc.
II. The Impact of Bodily-Kinesthetic, Interpersonal, and Visual Intelligences to My Personal Success
Some of my most commonly applied intelligences that greatly influence my personal success are bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and visual intelligences. I chose the three intelligences because, as a daycare provider in the military (army) from 1985-1995 (that is, for ten years), I have been very successful dealing with daycare children and their parents, colleagues, and superiors. With toddlers, I used colorful and visually entertaining materials for me to capture their interest and train their tactile abilities given their short attention span. Additionally, it is easy for me to interact with children because of my sincerity and happy disposition dealing with them. With peers and supervisor, I use good resort to team building approaches for a meaningful interpersonal relationship. In most cases, the success of my daily activities depends on my collaborative and cooperative efforts with other people.
As a track-and-field coach of nine- to ten –year old girls for five years now, I learned how important bodily-kinesthetic intelligence has been. Since I was a child, I am an athletic person – until now. I like helping people take care of their bodies through sports while ensuring their holistic development. When I see girls form the habit of supporting their teammates, I know they already learned how to become sportswoman, build camaraderie, and acquire other positive attitudes. Their optimistic mindset and behavior become much more evident whenever I see how they perform at their best so they will achieve their goals in the playing field. Thus, for me, the success of my trainees is also my success – professionally and personally.
Further, I really put all my energy into coaching because I simply love forming bonds with different people. I have developed in my early years until now my desire to be the best that I could possibly be. Not only am I good at the visual, bodily, and interpersonal intelligences, but also in other areas. Although I have been given a chance to choose only three intelligences, I believe that all of Gardner’s intelligences are related with one another. Hence, as a psychology student, I believe that I would further hone my skills, talents, abilities, or intelligences if I develop not just three intelligences, but also focus on how they are going to improve my personal success as a whole. Given my passion to help people in every way I could, I really am satisfied that my professor has given me the chance to share my experience and knowledge through this course requirement. I will always share what I cherished the most such as in dealing with people of all ages (e.g., children, parents, etc.) as a daycare provider and coach. I have come to realize that some of my most frequently used intelligences – visual, interpersonal, and bodily-kinesthetic – helped not only me but also others in my own simple ways. As a reiteration, I will develop further my most predominant intelligences as I continue with my psychology course. I will also make sure that the other intelligences that I have will also be enhanced as I continue with my aspirations in life. I know that I will always learn new fascinating things while doing individual and group research projects, submit other course requirements, and learn the ins-and-outs of everyday living.
III. Concluding Remarks
I strongly believe that some of my dominant intelligences (e.g., bodily-kinesthetic, visual-spatial, and interpersonal) continue to greatly influence my personal success in life. I have learned to hone my skills and talents (i.e., intelligences) to the extent that I am able to help children and adolescents. My sense of satisfaction has given me the encouragement to continue with my dreams. I know how fulfilling it is to teach young minds, hearts, and souls. As they learned to improve their learning competencies (e.g., infants’ tactile abilities and bonding), the more I see how successful am I as I continuously enhance my visual-spatial, interpersonal, and bodily-kinesthetic adeptness. As an athletic coach, whenever I see how agile and ambidextrous some of my trainees are, the more I looked for resources to assist them with their training. I know I am fulfilling some of my goals in life whenever I am doing my best to help others – in my own small yet special ways.
References
Gilman, L. (2012). The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Retrieved from Indiana University: http://www.indiana.edu/~intell/mitheory.shtml
Smith, M. (2008). Gardner "Howard Gardner, multiple intelligences and education. Retrieved from The Encyclopedia of Informal Education: http://infed.org/mobi/howard-gardner-multiple-intelligences-and-education/
