Interpersonal

=  Interpersonal Intelligence =



Interpersonal intelligence is one of Gardner's original seven multiple intelligences.

People who exhibit this type of intelligence are often said to be "people smart." They have the ability to perceive and understand other individuals through social contact or observation (Ryan et al., 2008, p. 54). Empathy is a key tool for their understanding of a concept or idea. Such people are adept at picking up on moods, desires, motivations, feelings, intentions and temperaments of other people and using these perceptions to inform their interactions with those people. A high level of interpersonal intelligence allows a person to treat each individual with an awareness of and according to carefully observed distinctions. Therefore, both verbal and non-verbal communication is extremely important to the interpersonal learner.

Interpersonal intelligence is closely related to intrapersonal intelligence, another one of Gardner's multiple intelligences (Grow, 1990).

Refer to this quotation from Gerald Grow's paper "Writing and Multiple Intelligences," to read about this relationship:

"The two personal intelligences are inextricably interconnected, for it is only through a sensitivity to other people (the interpersonal intelligence) that one can come to know oneself; and it is only through sensitivity to one's self (the intrapersonal intelligence) that one can come to relate deeply to other people... Interpersonal intelligence has its complement in intrapersonal intelligence--the essence of which is "access to one's own feeling life" (239), the capacity to discriminate among feelings, to find symbols for them, and to draw upon them to understand and guide one's life" (1990).

This Clip from the September 2000 film //Billy Elliot// demonstrates a dance teacher's use of personal intelligence to determine her student's motivation and inform his performance. Follow this link to video : Billy Elliot Scene


 * Teaching Strategies **

Try the following teaching suggestions to effectively instruct the interpersonal learner:

~ Provide ample opportunity for effective, meaningful communication among all people in the classroom. ~ Whenever possible, approach material from the human perspective and experience to allow interpersonal learners to empathize and see the situation or idea from another's perspective. ~ Allow students to work with their peers to complete projects and assignments (Ryan et al., 2008, p. 55). ~ Connect students with material by asking them to relate it to their lives or the lives of people they know (particularly in the English classroom).

Please visit this great, comprehensive list of strategies for the interpersonal learner.


 * Uses of Technology **

Use technology to foster rather than inhibit interpersonal communication. Using Skype or other software or internet programs in your classroom to speak with people in different locations, political climates, or schools can be a wonderful way to forge connections between people that are not otherwise possible through traditional means such as post mail or e-mail. Allow students to utilize technology to create unique group projects; video cameras are a great way to capture non-verbal communication as well as all other forms, and videos can be shared with classmates.

By sharing their perspectives on any issue, concept, or ideal through digital means, students are offering points of view to which others can be exposed. Give students an opportunity to connect over education-appropriate social networking sites, and allow them to reach you through multiple means so that they feel they are in a collaborative learning environment.

Keep in mind these potential career choices for the interpersonal learner:
 * psychologist
 * philosopher
 * actor
 * counselor
 * clergy
 * sales person
 * politician
 * executive
 * human-resources (Ryan, et al., 54)

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Resources:

Grow, Gerald. (1990). //Writing and multiple intelligences//. Presentation given at the annual meeting of the Association for Educators in Journalism and Mass Communication. ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 406 643. Available on-line at: .

Kendra, Cherry. (2011). //Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences: Interpersonal Intelligence//. []

//Multiple Intelligences: A Theory for Everyone//. 2010. Retrieved from: []

Oak, Manali. (2010). //Interpersonal Intelligence: Vital Factor for Effective Communication.// Retrieved from: []

Ryan, K., Cooper, J.M., Tauer, S. 2008. //Teaching for Student Learning: Becoming a Master Teacher.// Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

Smith, Mark K. (2008) //Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences and Education//. Retrieved from: []

//Teaching Children Through Interpersonal Intelligence.// (2011). Retrieved from: []

Images:

Paper People Circle: Interpersonal Communication Workshops. Clipart. Retrieved from: http://www.interpersonalcommunicationworkshops.com/images/interpersonal-communication.gif

Billy Elliot Cover: Amazon.com: //Billy Elliot.// Retrieved from: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HRK9BB6FL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Circle of Children: Inteligencia-interpersonal. Retrieved from: http://www.cuidadoinfantil.net/wp-content/uploads/inteligencia-interpersonal.jpg