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Q. I am quite reserved
by nature, so sometimes I think that my field and my nature
are contradictory. I want to put things in front of people
but I start search for the right words. What kind of nature
is this?
Sakshi V, Pune
A. Being reserved by
nature, deals with a human trait called "introversion". I do
not include this in the MI/MN model. Human beings are
extremely complex and have dozens of aspects to their
personality. It is difficult or impossible to account for
all of these traits in a single model. As far as
introversion is concerned, there is nothing wrong with it.
It is a naturally occurring trait that is largely genetic.
Introverts typically gain energy from within and especially
when they spend time alone. This doesn't mean you can't find
success in dealing with groups of people such as having to
teach a large number of students. I think the key for you is
to ensure you structure you day so that you get enough
personal time to recharge your batteries.
With respect to not finding the right words when dealing
with others, this could be because your Linguistic
Intelligence might not be as strong as your other types of
intelligence. My suggestions to improve this are as follows:
Do what you can to read and write more. You should also try
doing crossword puzzles or playing some word games such as
Scrabble.
Spend time rehearsing before you have to deal with others.
You can try role playing with others, or even by yourself.
In your mind, run through the situations that you will be
facing. Imagine the dialogues that might occur, and come up
with responses at that time. When you do so, you'll have
plenty of time to sharpen your interaction skills. By role
playing, you will mentally familiarize yourself with the
interpersonal situation that you will soon face. Such mental
rehearsal is a technique that is effectively used by the
best sportspeople, actors, and other professionals.
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Q. Please suggest how to
use the knowledge of MN effectively in class/career
suggestions.
Sandhya S, Shimla
A. You should make
MI and MN an integral part of your curriculum. I would treat
it like this:
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Create an MI/MN assessment
that is done regularly (at least once a year). Record these
results in the students' profile.
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Have classes that are
dedicated to MI/MN so students become aware of and
articulate about these concepts. They may include
discussions, role plays, project work, and so on. You can
find many such activities online as well as in Jiva's
learning materials (www.jiva.com/education).
-
Have MI/MN workshops with
parents so they are familiar with the concepts from early
on.
-
When you teach your
lessons, ensure you incorporate a variety of activities that
cater to different types of intelligences. Use graphic
organizers for those who favor Visual Intelligence, do
cooperative learning activities for enhancing Interpersonal
Intelligence, integrate music to engage Musical
Intelligence, and so on. Jiva textbooks have hundreds of
activity suggestions in all subjects.
-
Do extra-curricular events
on MI/MN such as festivals, dramas, songs, dances, etc.
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Decorate your classrooms
and school walls with concepts related to MI/MN.
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Have a Career Day (or
week/month), and emphasize the MI/MN concept.
These are just some ideas.
I hope they help.
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Q. By when should a
child be ready to decide as to what career he wants to opt
for?
Taruna B, Jammu
A. I think it is
important to discuss careers/occupations with kids as early
as possible. Talk to them about what different people do,
what their work must be like, the different aspects of it,
how it makes them feel, what type of natures they need to do
that job successfully, etc. I think they can start
considering their professions a bit more seriously once they
start understanding their MIs and MNs more clearly. This
could be between ages 10-12. Let them do research on jobs
they might find interesting. Have them do job shadows once
in a while (e.g., go to the workplace of a parent or
relative). By the time they get to class IX/X, they have to
select a stream. Please do have them use the
Whatsmynature.com website, and do check out the Career
Master kit, because it's got some great tools in there,
especially the Career Master Game that familiarizes them
with MI/MN and so many types of professions.
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Q. Why didn't you
include emotional nature as well?
Rachna G, Nasik
A. Emotional refers
more to "intelligence" than to "nature". And of the 8
intelligences mentioned, I believe that either:
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it can be incorporated
under intrapersonal intelligence or
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it is a separate
intelligence from the other 8 intelligences.
In the case of the latter,
I would consider that it exists on a slightly different
plane than the other types of intelligences. In other words,
I wouldn't group it together with them.
I hope that answers your question. Please be sure to do the
online test at
whatsmynature.com!
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Q. How to remove
obstacles in life?
Sunita M, Agra
A. Life is only
about obstacles. In essence they are only experiences that
Bhagavan sends us that we must confront and overcome. He
gives us these situations based on our own karma, and
because those experiences are what we need at that moment in
order to perfect ourselves. So don't look at it as trying to
remove those obstacles so there won't be any more obstacles
after that. Be sure they will keep on coming as sure as the
sun rises every day. Just treat each one as a challenge.
Just see Lord Krishna each time he had to face some
raakshash. Even the Kali Serpent...he danced on its
head. In the same way—you must learn to dance on the head of
your obstacles.
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Q. Is MI the mode of
imparting knowledge to students and MN the means to guide
them to their career?"
Richa S, Mumbai
Yes and no.
MI refers to our intelligence types. I do believe our
intelligence preferences affect the way we learn. So for
instance people who have strong visual intelligence will
respond better to visual input, people with strong musical
intelligence will respond better to information if it is
auditory in nature, and likely if it is connected to rhythm
or music in some way, etc. Keepin this in mind, it is
beneficial for a teacher to try her best to understand the
different natures of her learners, and to help them
understand their natures as well. And further for the
teacher to create learning opportunities for learners to
engage and utilize their dominant intelligences when
learning. This is called "differentiated instruction".
With respect to helping children find their careers, I
believe both MI *and* MN are important. For instance, if you
know someone has strong Linguistic Intelligence, that's a
good start. If you then determine that they have a dominant
"Creative Nature"—that rounds out the picture. I now know
that this individual will do well where they get an
opportunity to perform creative writing.
Hope this helps.
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