3 min
This lesson is about how we can develop self-awareness and about how we learn on our own or with others.
Sir Ken Robinson, an education and creativity expert says, “If we’re serious about exploring the world around us, we have to explore the world within us.” We learn through what we see, what we hear, and what we practice.
We learn through nature, puzzles, arts, relationships, and books. We are naturally drawn to learn through different ways. Some may love going to lectures where writers share their personal stories because they are linguistic and interpersonal learners. Some may choose online courses that lay out an approach to fiction in a linear way because they are logical and visual learners. Some may learn how to write through their own work and reflection as intrapersonal learners.
In 1983, Dr. Howard Gardner (Harvard University) developed a theory of eight intelligences: bodily/kinesthetic, musical, logical/mathematical, linguistic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. Since then more intelligences have been researched and added to the list, like existential learners (people who learn through spirituality).
There are many benefits to knowing how I learn. Picture it: Someone has given me feedback that the use of point of view (POV) in my book needs to be more effective. I’ve been googling the concept for an hour and I’m biting back tears of frustration. The intelligences present me with options for developing my understanding.
I could begin by looking for an info-graphic that demonstrates POV if I am a visual learner. I may need to compare my use of POV with another writer’s work if I’m an interpersonal learner. I may need to explore my thinking on POV as an intrapersonal learner. Or find a step-by-step approach for revising for POV as a logical learner. By knowing how I learn best I can seek opportunities that match my style. Over the span of my life, I hope to develop each of these intelligences so that I can learn in a multitude of ways.
To become a better creator, become a better learner. Learning and creativity go hand in hand.
"The labyrinth draws us through its coils so we can explore our inner selves and enter into communion with mythology and history, wandering along its mysterious pathways to the past and future. Within the labyrinth we can dream, meditate, and plan, dance, pray, make love, and light a candle along pathways to a center that may change with every visit."
The Complete Guide to Labyrinths
Here is a brief overview of the most well-known intelligences:
Bodily/Kinesthetic: You like to use body language. You are good at sports, dancing, or acting. You learn best by moving and touching.
Musical: You like to listen to music and/or sing. You are good at picking up sounds and noticing rhythms. You learn best through music.
Logical/Mathematical: You like to ask questions and work with numbers. You are good at problem solving. You learn best by categorizing information and understanding relationships.
Linguistic: You like to tell stories, read, and write. You are good at remembering information. You learn best by saying, hearing, and seeing words.
Spatial/Visual: You like to look at pictures, watch movies, and/or draw. You have a good sense of direction. You learn best by visualizing and working with images.
Interpersonal: You like to have lots of friends and talk to people. You are good at resolving conflicts and seeing things from others’ perspectives. You learn best by sharing, working in partners or teams, and connecting to people.
Intrapersonal: You like to self-reflect and daydream. You are good at following instincts and being original. You learn best by working alone and having a private space.
Naturalist: You like to be outside and observe patterns in nature. You are good at seeing connections and classifying artifacts. You learn best by working with a partner and connecting information with events in nature.
These questions are to use when you are revising a project:
How do the intelligences affect your creations? How might they inform character development? The use of white space in a poem? The way you learn a new song? The types of subjects you’re drawn to explore in your paintings? How do the intelligences affect the ways you connect with audience? Do you appeal to all thinkers?
Creativity has been a source of healing, a way to find a sense of belonging, and a process for me to better understand who I am and what my life's work is all about. I want to share my learning with you.