Research shows that intelligence is not singular in nature. Rather, human intelligence is differentiated and unique to each individual. Understanding your intelligence preference is vital to consuming content in the most effective and enjoyable modality. Thanks to the strengths assessment found at Literacynet.org, I was able to determine that my prominent intelligences are Social (Interpersonal) and Self (Intrapersonal).
I cannot say that my results really surprised me. Regarding my interpersonal strength, I have often been referred to as a "social butterfly". While I would classify myself as a "friendly introvert", I am able to navigate social settings with ease and like to bounce ideas off of others. I quickly recognized my preference to develop ideas socially at the start of my grad school journey. Having been out of school for decades, I quickly found myself reaching out to fellow classmates to solidify my understanding of assignments. It was my classmate's responses to discussion threads that quickly and easily identified who I would work best with.
Regarding my intrapersonal strength, I have also been content to work independently and prefer to reflect on new ideas before speaking to anyone about my resolutions. My husband would definitely be able to attest to this. We have been married for ten years and, while we refer to them as disagreements/discussions rather than fights, we often view things from our own unique perspectives. While he is able to speak passionately in the "here and now", I prefer to mull things over and return to the subject later.
Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences was first proposed in 1983. Although this theory existed prior to the start of my early childhood education, I did not experience any adaptations to my learning experience. Lessons were largely teacher-led and lecture-based. When I reflect on my early report cards I recall my instructors referring to me as "chatty" or "distracting". I even received detention once as a result of talking with a classmate in an effort to refine my understanding of an assignment. While I do understand that there is a "time and place" for commentary, I did not feel that my learning experiences offered enough collaboration with classmates. Ultimately, the negative reinforcement from teachers shaped my perception of self and inhibited me from exercising my interpersonal intelligence. Had my instructors provided more structured, collaborative learning opportunities, I think I would have developed this skill much more organically. Instead, I learned to read the needs/desires of my instructor and pushed myself to learn independently for fear of discipline or notes to my parents.
Thankfully, my educational experience did, indirectly, cultivate opportunities for me to build my intrapersonal intelligence. As I was consistently reinforced to keep my thoughts and comments to myself, I naturally became more self-reflective. When I contemplate my primary education, I recall frequent time blocks in the day where the class was asked to work quietly and independently. These opportunities became vital for me to mull over new information and truly absorb what I was learning. I remember realizing that I learned better through homework than through classroom lectures. This knowledge of self helped me when choosing an online Master's program, as much of the work is independent.
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences emphasizes the importance of considering your audience prior to designing your website. So often time is spent on the message and the content rather than who will be consuming it and how it should be delivered. My strengths lead me to blogs, social media, and discussion forums that afford me both interpersonal and intrapersonal opportunities. It is important for content creators to remember that each person relies on different and various types of intelligence preferences. The first step should always be knowing your audience.
Hey Vanessa,
ReplyDeleteI found your post really resonated with me because we share the same intelligences when it comes to learning new knowledge and skills. I agree with your point of content creators taking their audience into account when they are creating content. I also like that the prevalence of social media has allowed people like us to flourish because the content that is being created appeals to both of our strengths as we are able to find content that meets us where we are at but also provide a place where we can share new ideas.