The Multiple Intelligences, Part 2
- Christy Bass Adams
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Prayer:
1. For open hearts and minds as you examine yourself and student
2. To learn something new that will help you become a better teacher
3. For God to give you eyes to see past behaviors and see the needs of your students
Opening Story:
My ninth-grade teacher gave us an amazing gift—the gift of self-knowledge. Our first semester of high school was focused on learning who we were as individuals. We took personality tests, learned different ways to study, and recognized our strengths and weaknesses. Because of my teacher’s wisdom in teaching this, when I had a choice, I chose my teachers based on teaching style not on popular opinion. In groups, I quickly assumed my natural role with confidence because I had learned my strengths.
One of the down sides to this deep dive was seeing a personality style and tweaking my answers to fit in that groove instead of truly seeing myself in full truth. Back then, I disliked the bossy streak that I knew rested under the surface, so I did everything possible to ignore that take charge piece of my personality. I procrastinated often and assumed that was a part of my personality, so I assumed I was spontaneous and a “shoot from the hip” person. This led to years of last-minute productivity and never stepping up into a full leadership position.
Looking back from my current position in life, I can see the stifled parts of my personality. I can be a bossy, take charge kind of person and that has grown naturally the more I allow that part to shine. And I don’t like to procrastinate; it completely stresses me out. In fact, I want things detailed, organized, and spelled out months in advance. I am able to present a much calmer, collected, proficient self when I am completely prepared. Ironically, being overly prepared allows room for spontaneity if needed.
Why is any of this important? Because you are in the business of educating the next generation. These classrooms are filled with future adults who can become positive influences on the next generation or lead whole nations astray. My ninth-grade teacher saw the potential in our freshman English class, and she handed us the tools we needed to become successful additions to society well after our freshman year ended.
Last week, we learned about the first five Intelligences in Gardner’s theory and this week we will discuss the last four. Recognizing, understanding, and fostering these Intelligences in our students could be the paradigm shift our students need, just like my freshman English class. Once a person begins to understand the way their brain and body work, tackling tasks, seeking jobs, and understanding their role becomes much easier. It could be the difference between success and failure, confidence and insecurity, and hope and apathy.
The first Intelligence we’ll address this week is the Naturalistic Intelligence. These are your kids who naturally hold snakes and lizards with no fear and get lost inspecting a leaf under a microscope. Next is the Interpersonal Intelligence. Think about your natural leaders and the way they interact smoothly with others through words and posture. The last two Intelligences we’ll learn about this week are Intrapersonal and Existential. Both types are deeper thinkers and self-examiners. These are kids who want to know the why behind motives and the grander purposes in life. And when paired with the Holy Spirit, these Intelligences become your truth seekers and speakers, influencers of many.
Like we learned last week, these Intelligences exemplify the heart of God. Think about the Naturalistic learners; they thrive in the outdoors in the midst of God’s creation. They understand the natural cycles and appreciate the world around them. Our Interpersonal learners naturally bring people together and help them find their place in groups. These students speak up when others won’t and read between the lines of spoken and unspoken. The Intrapersonal learners are self-ware and seek out deeper knowledge and wisdom to guide their emotions and thoughts. Finally, our Existential learners examine the deeper whys of the universe and offer wisdom beyond their years. What mighty vessels these Intelligences could be in the hands of our almighty God!
What if we helped learn more effectively? And what if that opened the door for them to seek out their purpose? And what if they surrendered to Christ and used their gifts and Intelligences for the kingdom?
We’ll never know if we don’t give it a try.
Scripture Reading:
Read Romans 12:1-8 (ESV):
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness
Discussion
1. Paul tells us that our mind is the key to discerning what the will of God is; not our mind as it is, but our mind that is transformed. What are we doing to transform our own minds? What about the minds of our students?
2. Do you see these four Intelligences in your current classroom? How could these students excel if there were more activities related to the way they learn?
3. Was there a teacher who radically impacted how you think about yourself, negatively or positively? In what ways did they either foster your growth or shut you down?
4. Are you using your gift of teaching cheerfully? Offering yourself as a living sacrifice? Are you available to God as his vessel? If the answer is no, why not? If the answer is yes, explain further.
Homework
Read all of Romans 12 and think about the different personalities, Intelligences, and learning styles in your class. Are you doing all you can to reach each one? Are you open to new ideas that God might want to give you? Ask him to open your eyes to the needs and for him to fill you with His love to make it all happen.
Personal Reflection
As we dive into these last four Intelligences, do something each day in your personal time with God for each of the Intelligences. Go for a prayer walk outside (Naturalistic). Serve with others and interact in team environment (Interpersonal). Journal and reflect on scripture (Intrapersonal). Ask yourself what the purpose of life is and examine it through the lenses of God’s Word (Existential). After engaging in each activity, choose one to continue on a regular basis.
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