Multiple Intelligences at 10% Capacity
In the previous chapters, we have learned about the potential for maturity and our ability to adapt behavior. How does this tie into a potential for intelligence? It was previously found by Urie Brofenbrenner that we are all born with the same potential for intelligence and temperament, but it is our environment that shapes who we become. This explanation is very easy for me to believe. Now we are discovering how scientists measure levels of intelligence.
Howard Gardner developed the theory that intelligence should be measured by 9 categories: Linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic and existential. Every person is created with the potential to excel all of these categories, but there are major factors that prevent that from happening. Not only does our environment effect our learning, but our genes that came together to form us from tiny cells can develop inaccurately.
What about the fact that scientists have discovered that we only use 10% of our brains? What is the other 90% doing, unused? Is there a deeper level of intelligence, or awareness, that we have not even discovered yet? This tells me there is even more untouched potential! Take savants, for instance: They may have limited mental skills, but are extremely talented in one or more domains (such as music and memory). Do we not all have the potential to be as skilled or talented? What are we truly lacking? Is it nourishment? I would really love to research more about the other 90%, and our potential for intelligence. It is true that we all learn in different ways. What if our schooling was catered individually to everyone in order for us to excel in all subjects--would we then tap into the other 90% of our brains?
Interesting post. You definitely made me step back and think about things differently. You mentioned that Urie Brofenbrenner fount that "we are all born with the same potential for intelligence"... This seems contradictory to the studies mentioned in the book that studied twins and adopted children and found that IQ is more closely correlated with genetics.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great way of looking at things from a different perspective. I didn't put together the multiple intelligences and different learning styles until just now. I also hadn't thought of intelligence as potential before but you make a great point that savants can give us all inspiration to unlock our own potential.
Interesting thoughts. I wonder if there was a way to tap into the 90% if we could all reach our full potential in every aspect of learning. But if this was the case, why I am so bad at math but pretty good at reading and writing?
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