Intelligence & Learning Styles
Last month I wrote a blog on the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and how our education system does not (generally) make space for this; instead, esteeming IQ.
The longer I live, the more people I meet, the greater I realize that everyone possesses their own talents and versions of “brilliance”. When societal and educational systems only consider one method of learning or achievement, many individuals lose out on actualizing their full potential. This can create feelings of inferiority that can crush some of the most creative and talented minds.
Experts have identified nine types of intelligence and seven styles of learning. If only this was shared and considered in our education systems!
Here are the nine types of intelligence:
And the seven styles of learning:
Individuals may be given a label of possessing a “learning disability”, when in fact they may just be experiencing challenges in the learning style being administered. Similarly, just because one does not excel in the standardized assessment measures found in schools, it does not indicate they lack intelligence.
I marvel at individuals who are musically-inclined, can rebuild machinery, contemplate existentialist complexities, create unique artistic masterpieces, attain athletic excellence, are masters of the performing arts, or are truly attuned to animals or nature– many of these talents and abilities are not revered in school environments.
The importance of all this?
To not feel discouraged if you (or your child) does not fit in a standardized “intelligence” box. Trust that you possess your own version of brilliance ~
No one is good at everything, but everyone is good at something.
~Christine
