Professor I.Dea's Notes

If you were to ask me how I think and feel, I would say I have a variety of interests. I ask questions and investigate until I am satisfied that I have found the answers.  My primary question, of course, is how the brain learns and how it expresses its own learning. I take time to study and reflect, and I have written many books and articles related to my research.  I also love music and play the piano. My appreciation and support of art is on-going.

My theory of multiple intelligences— the idea that there is more than one way to be smart— is the basis of this book. Each form of intelligence is represented by a different “Me”.

I’ve jotted down some notes that I think will be useful in clarifying key points related to multiple intelligences.

  • When setting out to research my hypothesis that there are multiple intelligences, I had to define what it means to be smart. My criteria:
    • Ability to solve problems, answer questions
    • Must be evident in all cultures across the globe
    • There must be some form of creative expression
    • A unique part of the brain would be activated for each pathway
  • One aspect that motivated my research was that IQ testing could not possibly measure all the ways there are to be smart.  IQ testing and, later, standardized educational testing, limits our ideas about what it means to be smart. They test, primarily, the WordMe and Logical/MathMe.  Standardized testing results in standardized thinking.
  • All learning starts with a question.  Curiosity and then the quest to discover the answer, sparks the learning process.
  • No one is only smart in one way— you are not only one Me.  Everyone is smart in many ways.
  • You may not enjoy everything about a particular Me. For example, if you are a MovementMe, you may not like sports, but instead prefer theater and dance.
  • The pathways of expression are infinite.
  • Our brains are amazingly resilient and can be strengthened by taking risks and trying new pathways. If you find that you are not exercising a particular pathway, you can always try something new.
  • Once you realize there are different paths, all kinds of possibilities can be imagined.
The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.
Aldous Huxley

My last note:

There is one more way to be smart.  It did not meet all the criteria set out to begin with because it did not activate a special region in the brain.  It is my feeling that the 9thMe, the MeaningMe, should be acknowledged. It  is centered within the neural pathways of the heart, or the soul.  The MeaningMe asks the big questions of:

  • Why are we here?
  • What does it mean to be alive?
  • What is the purpose of life?
  • What is love?
  • What happens when we die?

Those questions cannot be solved through the brain alone.  The heart has neural pathways as well…

Any last words WordMe?

Yes of course I need to have the last word!

A word has a definite meaning.  Definite means having exact limits, precise and clear in meaning, explicit.

We should learn the definitions so we can communicate more clearly with each other.

I have hope* that we will begin to understand each other better and that all ways of being smart will be acknowledged and honored as equal.

 

*hope – a feeling that what is wanted will happen, an expectation

For more information regarding the theory of multiple intelligences reference Howard Gardner’s research. http://multipleintelligencesoasis.org

Special thanks to Thomas Armstrong, PH.D. whose book You’re Smarter Than You Think: A Kid’s Guide to Multiple Intelligences was an invaluable resource.

Learn more about Professor I.Dea and his work with the Me's
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