Multiple Intelligence: going beyond IQ

School need not be the feared fortress it’s construed to be. As a high school and college student, I tried hard to be a good learner but the most I could do with the effort was to land in the top 10. Pursuing a field I loved (journalism) was the one thing I don’t regret, even as this went against the will of my mom who wanted me to pursue a more lucrative science course. I would like to think that my career choice is the reason why am happy and comfortable at this stage in my life. I may not be the one in my batch who drives a BMW or has the biggest house but am content enough not to care about what everyone else is having :)

Now that I am a mom myself, I try not to put the pressure on my children because I know that they will find their own way. What’s important is that they develop the discipline for learning, human relations and street smarts to cope with whatever life deals them later on.

I guess the Multiple Intelligence theory supports me on this matter. In the recent 2012 Superkids Conference, co-sponsored by Progress Pre- School GOLD, renowned learning expert Dr. Thomas Armstrong said intelligence is not just about academics.

“We are all born with the capacity for the 7 types of Multiple Intelligences- self, people, picture, logic, music, body, and word, but certain intelligences develop in different ways, and some at certain points of a child’s life,” Dr. Armstrong explained.

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In simple terms, the theory of Multiple Intelligence acknowledges that a child’s intelligence is multi-faceted. Some would be people-smart or having the skill to deal with other people. Others would be body smart exhibiting excellence in athletics and sports, while there are some who are brain-smart, which is the most recognized (and often misconstrued as the only) form of intelligence.

While most schools have a strong emphasis on the academics, the multiple intelligence theory encourages learning institutions to strengthen their support and exposure to other intelligences such as music, sports and the arts in the early years.

With the introduction and application of the Multiple Intelligences theory in schools, certain topics can be customized and taught based on the child’s key Multiple Intelligence thus making it easier for students to understand the lessons.

Dr. Armstrong also pointed out that even though everyone is born with Multiple Intelligences, there will always be inclinations towards certain intelligences.

He explained that keeping an eye on these things may give parents an early indication of their child’s Multiple Intelligence and for teachers to properly plan the best method to effectively teach their lessons. By knowing a child’s multiple intelligences, learning will be much faster and easier for children, Armstrong added.

According to Dr. Armstrong, nutrition also plays a crucial role in the development Multiple Intelligences. Thus, Dr. Armstrong advises parents to always ensure that children are given superior nutrition that will completely support their holistic development and ensure their success in the classroom.

Progress Pre-School GOLD, a staunch supporter of parents who want to equip their children with tools that will allow them to succeed in the future, contains the Gold Biofactors System, a unique synergy of nutrients scientifically designed to work together to support a child’s multi-dimensional development.

For inquiries, please call Wyeth Careline at 81-Wyeth (99384) or the provincial toll-free number 1-800-10-884-2222.