Multiple Intelligences: Getting Involved
Dr. Kathy Koch on January 26th, 2009 | Filed under multiple intelligences
After I was a guest on the “Point of View” radio show with Kerby Anderson on January 21st, Olga submitted an encouraging note. She wrote: “I have being praying for direction in my career and calling and this is what makes my heart beat deeply. How can I get involved and be able to learn and get into this field?”
I’ve asked similar questions through the years. I’m glad Olga is praying. That’s essential. I find that what we pray and ask for is key. Direction makes sense. Wisdom to know what’s best. That God would introduce us to people who can help us. That we’d take advantage of every opportunity to develop skills and talents. That we’d see and hear what He wants us to. In other words, we need to be careful that we don’t want something so badly that we’re unable to see or hear something different from God.
I think Olga and anyone else who’s fascinated by multiple intelligences would benefit from reading much. My book, How Am I Smart: A Parent’s Guide to Multiple Intelligences, is a great overview. Many people have said there are new insights included which people who already know something about the topic appreciate . Listening to our DVD and CD, attending live trainings, enrolling in our upcoming telecourse, and learning from others is also wise. (See the sidebar for the link to our telecourse. It begins on February 2nd.)
I think one of the best ways to learn about multiple intelligences is to observe children and adults in a variety of situations. We need to even observe ourselves. Do we recognize when we’re using one intelligence vs. another? Can we begin to determine that a motivation, discipline, or communication problem is rooted in a particular smart?
I’d also recommend that you decide why this topic interests you and who you want to influence with your knowledge. Is the interest due to your own background and education? Do you wish you had been better educated? Do you care about today’s children? Or, are you interested in just your kids? There’s nothing wrong with that, but it probably won’t inspire long-term and challenging applications. Or, are you interested in using information about our 8 smarts to help married couples relate better and in new ways?
Volunteering may help you determine your future.
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