Eojjann S. Tuñacao
GE10A – BB
ARTICLE REFLECTION | What is whole person education and multiple intelligence?
Contrary to generally held beliefs, intelligence extends beyond basic knowledge.
In a nutshell, the six categories of intelligence development—IQ (Intelligence Quotient), EQ (Emotional Intelligence), SQ (Social Intelligence), AQ (Adversity Intelligence), CQ (Cultural Intelligence), and FQ (Financial Intelligence)—were emphasized on the article posted by KnewSTEP Education, last June 16, 2020. Basically, KnewSTEP Education provided an overview for individuals to understand that in dealing with ‘Intelligence’ in our day-to-day lives, it is not cocooned to only one definition; it offers a broader and deeper understanding of knowing what ‘Intelligence’ is and how it plays different each of the lives that people take part in. KnewSTEP Education encourages others that when putting ‘Intelligence’ into context, it goes beyond the measurement of one’s IQ. This viewpoint fosters a broader understanding of the numerous types of human intelligence, acknowledging that people can perform very well in various fields outside of typical cognitive evaluations.
Reading the article solidified my stance on viewing every individual as different from the others. As learners at this point in time, we each possess our own categories of intelligence development, or even, in some cases, we get to mix both variations or more. We not only base or focus our attention on ‘Intelligence’ as one component alone, which is our IQ (Intelligence Quotient), for we need to acknowledge and be made aware that as we live in an ever-changing world, we need to constantly adapt, and what better way it is to utilize the other five categories of multiple intelligence that we can have? As KnewSTEP Education placed on the forefront that multiple intelligence is crucial, it places a realization that hopefully, I will not only be able to attain but that people have a wide variety of cognitive skills and aptitudes. When we realize this, it will encourage a connection to a more effective and individualized education. As this happens, by identifying and fostering these many intelligences, educators and society at large may better accommodate unique learning styles and talents. A more inclusive environment can then be facilitated by these multiple intelligences as it fosters a deeper appreciation for each person’s particular abilities and possible efforts.
Now, what does this have to do with ‘Whole Person Education’? As I have read the article, the connection between ‘Whole Person Education’ toward multiple intelligence lies in a simple deduction that it can contribute to a more holistic approach to learning which can be attained by a student as it ensures that other multiple intelligences categories—EQ (Emotional Intelligence), SQ (Social Intelligence), AQ (Adversity Intelligence), CQ (Cultural Intelligence), and FQ (Financial Intelligence), aside from the IQ (Intelligence Quotient), EQ, will be put into the spotlight as the ‘Whole Person Education’ promotes educational procedures that acknowledges that students have unique set of skills and capacities that they can unleash. As educators will come to know this, having a ‘Whole Person Education’ curriculum can then bridge the gap in recognizing comprehensive intellectual and personal growth, which cannot only be achieved through typical achievements in school, but also in areas of emotional, social, or financial intelligence and the like, creativity, interpersonal skills, and more.
Therefore, as we move forward in having a goal of achieving a holistic approach to learning, knowing the multiple intelligences a person can have, is a good step in making this idea possible. Sometimes, we tend to forget about other aspects that make up who we are as existing human beings, and that is something that we must change, for we are more capable than we think we are. With KnewSTEP Education’s take on ‘Whole Person Education’ and multiple intelligences, this may be a reminder to all of us that again, intelligence extends beyond basic knowledge. As much as we are trying to enhance our IQ (Intelligence Quotient), we also should not neglect the other categories, because they bring as much importance as the Intelligence Quotient does. I hope we can remember this.