Felicitations,
Rather than a discussion this week, this will be a reflection. That simply means it’s private and only I will see it. Given the nature of the topic I thought people might be more comfortable that way.
The readings for this week discussed Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. You might recall his original seven:
- Linguistic Intelligence
- Logical / Mathematical Intelligence
- Spatial Intelligence
- Musical Intelligence
- Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence
- Interpersonal Intelligence
- Intrapersonal Intelligence
And then there were two others proposed later:
- Naturalist Intelligence
- Existentialist Intelligence
For this assignment I’d like you to perform a self-assessment. How would you assess your specific abilities regarding each of these different domains of intelligence? Your response should cover most, if not all, of them. But feel free to elaborate about the areas of intelligence for which you believe you have the greatest abilities. And for which of them do you have the greatest difficulty? Back up your responses with examples that demonstrate your abilities and your difficulties. You should discuss at least five separate domains of intelligence in your response. As an example I did it myself. It was actually kind of fun. And since this is a lot to think about the assignment is worth 15 points.
With all the writing I do I think I’m pretty strong on linguistic intelligence. Given how well most of you have been doing in the course I’d say the readings must be comprehensible. And logical / mathematical intelligence would seem to be a strength as well. I’ve been successful at putting together logical arguments myself and analyzing data and drawing conclusions from it. In general, I’m pretty good with numbers. And of course, I’ve done lots of computer programming. I’d say I also have pretty good interpersonal intelligence. I get along with people, have little difficulty striking up a conversation and make friends readily. And I think I have a decent sense of humor. It all kind of fits with being a college professor doesn’t it? Finally, spatial intelligence is another area I’m pretty good at. With my former side job as a driving instructor I’ve learned how to get anywhere in the county north of National City. So my cognitive mapping is good. As for naturalist intelligence I have a fairly good sense of how different elements in nature interact. I do spend a lot of time on my balcony puttering with plants and watching the different birds. Given my degree in philosophy, as well as several in psychology, I think I have a handle on existentialist intelligence as well. I do examine our role in the universe and contemplate some of those universal questions.
However, although I love good music and can recognize and hold a song in my head, I think my musical intelligence is average. I’ve never played an instrument. I can’t imagine composing lyrics, much less the music itself. And there is no doubt that I do not have high bodily kinesthetic intelligence. My handwriting is terrible. I’ve been typing for over 45 years and I still constantly make mistakes that I have to go back and correct. I’ve literally stubbed my toe just walking across the carpet in an open space. Sports was not something I excelled in either. I played baseball a couple seasons while in High School. They put me in right field. Anyone who’s played baseball knows that’s where you put the worst one on the team. And dancing? No, you don’t don’t want to see me dance.
