Multiple Intelligences in Creative Facilitation
Helga Hohn, Ph.D., IBI Associate
Presentation at the 9th European Conference on Creativity and Innovation in Lodz, Poland, September 4-7, 2005
Abstract
In her presentation, Helga will apply Howard Gardner's theory on multiple intelligences to the field of creative facilitation. Helga has been working with this concept for several years developing and exploring it with different groups of facilitators.
Howard Gardner introduced his Theory of Multiple Intelligences in his book Frames of Mind (Gardner, 1983). He proposed a novel notion: To measure 'intelligence' in more ways than simply through the widely accepted logical/linguistic IQ-type formalized tests. Gardner suggested that our intelligences are organized as a number of almost different faculties, rather than as a set of general abilities. He theorized eight basic intelligences to represent all the modes: linguistic-verbal, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinaesthetic, musical-rhythmic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist.
Facilitators, especially when working on a creative task, will benefit from using more intelligences than linguistic verbal and interpersonal intelligence, think of classical lecturing and interactive group work. Even visual tools like Microsoft's PowerPoint are often used restrictively conveying mainly words. The creativity field has expanded these limitations considerably (Michalco,1991, Buzan, 1990) but would greatly benefit from the concept of Multiple Intelligences (Rose & Nicholl, 1989).
In her own work with Multiple Intelligences, Helga discovered 'allergic' responses to favored as well as unfamiliar intelligences. Participants react strongly emotionally when the type of intelligence at issue is a favored and trained strength. For example, a mathematician might strongly criticize the logical teacher, or an artist might be vehemently opposed to the method of using visual tools in trainings. Participants confronted with an unfamiliar type of intelligence may refrain from the exercises, sometimes withdrawing, criticizing and/or downgrading their own accomplishments.
In her pesentation, Helga will explore how creative facilitators can use their faculties and develop their multiple intelligences by
- Stretching: exploring unknown fields
- Matching: working from a strength toward a less known intelligence and
- Celebrating: appreciating their strengths.
Several tools are presented for enhancing programs for creative facilitation.
To register, please go to http://www.transformation.ahe.edu.pl
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