The Community Times Dispatch

Hello Readers! Over the past several weeks we have been discussing multiple intelligences, theorized by Howard Gardner, in his ground breaking book, Frames of Mind. Last week I wrote about what we generally view as intelligence; book smart: verbal-linguistic and math-logic. Many examples are all around you in your children or yourselves. Just remember that most people have a combination of intelligences; however, one or two may dominate in a particular person. This week the focus will be on the personal intelligences; interpersonal and intrapersonal.

Interpersonal intelligence. Do you know people who have a lot of friends, who people seek out, who seems able to settle the most difficult situations between people? These are examples of interpersonal intelligence. What is interpersonal intelligence? Interpersonal intelligence has to do with relationships with people. Children and people who have interpersonal intelligence demonstrate strengths in interacting with people; collaborating to get the job done, cooperating, leading, influencing socially, empathizing, and connecting socially.

Children and people with strengths in interpersonal intelligence learn best through working as a group for learning and working; role playing; team activities that are self-selected; and working on a team with assigned roles. Parents can assist this type of child at home by using teams or groups to complete chores; asking for input when making family decisions; demonstrating that you value your relationship with them; and by accepting that they would rather be with people than alone. Ideal gifts for this child would be games, gadgets and items that require groups or teams to play. Parents can assist their children when studying by allowing friends and schoolmates to work on school projects as group projects or collaborative projects; by putting the study area near other people so that the child feels connected; and by letting the child give you an overview of assignments after homework is completed.

Careers that use interpersonal intelligence – politicians, counselors, retail sales, psychologists, social workers, novelists, playwrights, poets, business executives, sociologists, travel agents, lawyers, and school principals. Famous examples: Barack Obama, Warren Buffett, Marian Wright Edelman, Dr. Kenneth Clark, Jay-Z, and Sean Coombs.

Now, the flip side of the coin, intrapersonal intelligence. That person who is quiet and introverted may seem to others as not having much on the ball. Often, it is just the opposite. This person is typically an example of intrapersonal intelligence. Their quiet demeanor may not always reflect their self-assurance, self-reflection, independence, and intuition. Intrapersonal intelligence has to do with self-motivation, understanding ones self, and independence. Children and people with intrapersonal intelligence demonstrate strengths in intuition, knowing ones self, empathy and independence.

Children and people with strengths in intrapersonal intelligence learn best through working independently. Parents can assist this type of child at home by giving them space; allowing them to explore their ideas [such as a business venture]; listening to what they know intuitively; and giving them assignments, check for understanding and allowing them to work alone. Ideal gifts for this child would be books, journals, video games, computers, and music. Parents can assist their children when studying by providing a quiet, secluded space; by assisting them in setting realistic goals; and by encouraging them to write in their journal.

Careers that use intrapersonal intelligence are ministers, writers, entrepreneurs, counselors, and therapist. Famous examples: Dr. Martin Luther King, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Linda Johnson Rice, Cathy Hughes, and Dr. Phil McGraw.

References: Howard Gardner, Frames of Mind (1983); Howard Gardner, Intelligence Reframed (1999); Kristen Nicholson-Nelson, Multiple Intelligences (1998); Walter McKenzie, It’s Not How Smart You Are – It’s How You Are Smart (1999); Information gathered from www.accelerated-learning.net/multiple.htm#bod – via http://ced.ncsu.edu/2/adventure/st_augs/teachers/mintel; http://www.teachervision.fen.com

http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/13999.aspx

© Cathleen Saxon Jenkins 10.19.2009

You can email me at csaxjenks@comcast.net