TRISHA MAE A. SURAIT
GE 10 – BB

Reflection | What is whole person education and multiple intelligence? (Article)

In today’s rapidly evolving world, our understanding of intelligence is expanding beyond the conventional boundaries of knowledge acquired from books and reading materials. Rather than a singular entity, intelligence should be seen as a multifaceted spectrum, with no one facet being inherently superior to another. While traditional education places a heavy emphasis on developing one’s IQ (Intelligence Quotient), we are reminded by KnewSTEP Education that true intelligence encompasses a broader spectrum of capabilities. They advocate for the recognition and cultivation of six distinct areas of intelligence: IQ, EQ (Emotional Intelligence), SQ (Social Intelligence), AQ (Adversity Intelligence), CQ (Cultural Intelligence), and FQ (Financial Intelligence). This holistic approach aligns with the concept of Whole Person Education (WPE), which aims to foster comprehensive personal development.
KnewSTEP Education emphasizes that “multiple intelligence refers to the distribution of comprehensive abilities of a person.” Their approach aims to help individuals develop themselves in all these areas, aligning with the principles of Whole Person Education (WPE), which seeks to nurture individuals into whole persons through comprehensive development. This perspective reaffirms the idea that every individual is unique and possesses their own blend of intelligence categories. It also challenges the conventional approach to intelligence, encouraging us to embrace a more holistic understanding of human cognitive abilities. As the world evolves, the need to adapt becomes increasingly important. Utilizing all six categories of intelligence enables individuals to thrive in diverse settings and engage with life’s multifaceted challenges.
The connection between WPE and multiple intelligences is evident. WPE encourages a comprehensive approach to learning, ensuring that all the various forms of intelligence – IQ, EQ, SQ, AQ, CQ, and FQ – are given the attention they merit. This philosophy encourages educational methods that acknowledge the unique skills and capacities of students. In a world where standardized testing and traditional educational metrics often take center stage, KnewSTEP Education’s perspective on multiple intelligences and Whole Person Education serves as a reminder that intelligence is not confined to basic knowledge. While enhancing one’s IQ is undoubtedly valuable, we should not overlook the other facets of intelligence, as they hold equal significance. The journey towards a holistic approach to learning is about recognizing the multifaceted nature of human intelligence and celebrating our diverse capabilities. By embracing this expanded view of intelligence, we can create a more inclusive and enriched educational experience that nurtures the whole person.