As we honor the Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, let’s remember that valor doesn’t just refer to courage on the battlefield. It also means having the fortitude to embrace one’s unique strengths and talents.
In education, this resilience is embodied by the theory of multiple intelligences.
You may have noticed how some children excel in math and science, while others shine in art or music. This variation stems from the pioneering work of psychologist Howard Gardner, who challenged the traditional view of intelligence as a single, measurable ability. Instead, he identified eight distinct types of intelligence:
- Linguistic (word smarts)
- Logical-mathematical (numerical reasoning)
- Spatial (visual perception)
- Bodily-kinesthetic (physical adeptness)
- Musical (auditory skills)
- Interpersonal (understanding others)
- Intrapersonal (self-awareness)
- Naturalistic (affinity for nature)
The core principle is that every child possesses a unique blend of these intellectual capacities and ways of processing information.
By courageously recognizing and nurturing these diverse talents, we unlock each child’s full potential.
Embracing multiple intelligences is important for several reasons. It boosts a child’s self-esteem when their inherent abilities are valued and celebrated.
It also prepares them for our rapidly evolving world, where a breadth of skills is essential for facing complex challenges. Aside from that, it nurtures the resilience to persevere through obstacles.
To encourage multiple intelligences, schools can diversify their teaching approaches, incorporating hands-on activities, group discussions, visual aids, and multimedia tools to engage all learners.
Enrichment programs celebrating various talents, from art and music to robotics and nature studies, are equally valuable. Importantly, schools should move beyond traditional testing by evaluating progress through portfolios, projects, and performance-based assessments highlighting each child’s strengths.
Teachers play a pivotal role in this process. Through patient observation, they come to understand each child’s unique learning preferences and intellectual proclivities. This allows them to tailor instruction accordingly, create nurturing environments for exploration, and let children to embrace their brilliance by pursuing passion projects and celebrating achievements.
Parental involvement is also important. Rather than pressuring children to conform to societal norms, parents should courageously support their inherent talents. Exposing them to diverse experiences, providing resources aligned with interests, and encouraging exploration can instill a lifelong love of learning and self-discovery.
On the other hand, not recognizing or appreciating a child’s natural talents and different ways of being smart can be bad for their growth and happiness. If they don’t have the strength to keep going when things get tough, they might feel less confident about themselves, lose interest in learning, and not reach their full potential.
As Einstein once said, “Everyone is smart in their own way. But if you expect a fish to climb a tree, it will think it’s not smart.” Let’s be brave enough to accept that there are many different kinds of intelligence. We should create a supportive environment where each child’s special talents are encouraged to grow, helping them succeed and make a difference in the world.