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Multiple Intelligences for a Whole-Brained Education
by Dr. Yehia A. Ibrahim
Multiple Intelligences for a Whole-Brained Education
By: Dr. Yehia A. Ibrahim, Professor
Assiut University, Egypt
Summary: Students and teachers in many western societies are programmed on a 'partially-schooled brain', educational processes. This was due to our limited understanding of the whole-brain system, the brain/mind connection, and the multiplicity and diversity of intelligence spheres. To achieve a whole-brained education, we need to introduce psychologically-based technologies in order to assess and honor intelligence diversity and any pertinent learning and teaching styles. We here acknowledge Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence theory (MIT) and related inventories. The problem of handicapped education in third world countries does not stop at the limited knowledge of the above issues, but it is further complicated by many socio-economic and cultural problems.
There are two major theories of intelligence. Alfred Binet, a French self-taught psychologist, was the creator of the old theory which considered intelligence as one entity controlled by a single factor. This theory has superficially abstracted intelligence into a mathematical-linguistic sphere. An Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test based on Binet's theory has been used for decades. The extensive focus on this theory, as well as the blind use of, and reliance on, the IQ test has programmed 'laterality imbalance' in the cognitive and semantic functions of people's brain, with a severe dominance of the left hemisphere at the cost of the right one. This has induced a 'partially schooled-brain' in many western educational systems.
Based on some neurological and psychological research, it has been evident that intelligence is not as Binet hypothesized; instead it is a multi-faceted phenomenon that is based on the conditioning of our 'enormously-receptive, environmentally-adaptive brain' to become our 'intelligent mind.' As the result of research and observations into this filed, a new theory, now referred to as the Multiple Intelligences Theory (MIT), was brilliantly born and artfully architected by Howard Earl Gardner, a Harvard Professor of Cognition, Psychology and, Education. Gardner's theory proves instrumental in extending our awareness to the world of human intelligence. People, especially educationalists, are now using several MIT-based technologies to assess their intelligence profile, their learning and teaching styles, as well as those of their colleagues, aides and students.
Unfortunately, Gardner's theory, David Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory (ELT), are neither seriously considered in the formal Arab educational systems, nor acknowledged by teachers and professors to cope with the diversity of students' learning styles.
I would here ask for an opportunity to introduce Arab universities' professors and their aides to an era of psychologically-based technologies that focuses on a whole-brained education. I will shed some light on the following topics:
• The Physiology of Brain Processes
• The Brain/Mind Dualism
• The Hemispheric Brain Dominance Theory
• The Triune Brain Model
• Major Theories of Thinking, Learning and Teaching
• The Multiple Intelligences Theory in Practice
• Recent Approaches in a Whole-Brained Education
• Psychological Technologies for Future Universities
Dr. Ibrahim is now considered one of the most famous Arab experts in many interdisciplinary fields including Human Resources Development, Leadership, Management, Personality Types, Emotional Intelligence, NLP, Team Dynamics, Self and Organizational Development, School Counseling and Corporate Culture. Dr. Ibrahim has provided a number of professional guides in these fields, and regularly contributes prestigious articles to leading training journals and websites. He has published many books and more than 200 articles in scientific journals, reputable newspapers and newsletters. Dr. Ibrahim owns the largest library of Arabic questionnaires and tools for personal and organizational assessment. Through his work as a Director of Assiut University Center for Futuristic Studies, as a Director of Assiut Governorate Center for Managing Development, as an Advisor to Assiut University President and to Assiut Governor, and as a Department Head in one of the largest and most reputable universities in Egypt, he has strengthened his managerial and leadership knowledge, skills, and attitude.
In addition to being a professional trainer, counselor and mentor, Dr. Ibrahim is a regular speaker at conferences and leadership seminars throughout the Arab world. In so doing, he shares some of his own theories in personality types, corporate psychology, and team dynamics. During his long-term activity, Dr. Ibrahim has designed, developed, structured and animated many training programs in a multitude of individual and organizational disciplines.
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