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Subject:RE: The debate that won't die From:JB Foster <jb -dot- foster -at- shaw -dot- ca> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 03 Dec 2002 21:30:58 -0700
> I disagree that some people have a writing gift. The ability to
> communicate is
> inherent in all beings. Even cats and toads can communicate.
...hmmm, spell-checking for frogs? ... not a bad idea! Now, is it '!' or
'?' between the 'rib-it' ... 'rib-it' ?
Seriously, I agree with the writing-gift belief. There always seems to be
someone who can effortlessly breeze through certain innate abilities, while
others must struggle at mastering -even- the basics. A good example of this
would be dyslexics, who have a great difficulty learning to read. Would it
not sound logical that the opposite exists - individuals attune to reading
and writing skills?
To support what I've said - according to Harvard professor Dr. Howard
Gardner, there appears to be eight different types of genetic
characteristics (I want to avoid the phrase genetically-enhanced) with
regards to talents that the mind may develop. This is sort of like genetic
enhancements to intelligence - where we tend to notice children's 'natural'
strengths or abilities (and which we poses in varying degrees).
Scientists believe that a child's brain will try to hard-wire towards given
characteristics (talents or gifts); evidenced by strong childhood abilities
(such as music and art) that often quickly advance, when compared to other
talents. With a learning-disability, some of these same abilities are
possessed in very weak forms (disabilities), alongside very strong forms
(gifts). Often, with Dyslexia, poor reading is accompanied by enhanced
spatial abilities.
Therefore, it is always possible (within the right environment) to improve
on ones writing. However, someone with an innate ability to write, will be
more talented than you, and with much-less practice. ...Anyway, for those
interested, the eight types of intelligences (called Multiple Intelligences)
are:
. Logical-mathematical - the ability to see patterns and approach
situations logically. These children tend to be precise and methodical and
to excel at Mathematics and Science.
. Linguistic - the ability to use words and language in many different
forms. Reading and writing come easily to these children and they tend to do
well at school.
. Visual/spatial - the ability to form a mental model and to maneuver
and operate using that model. These children think in images and pictures
and often excel at representative drawings.
. Musical - the ability to attune to rhythms, pitch and tonal
patterns. These children easily remember melodies and are likely to hum and
turn sounds into rhythms.
. Bodily/kinesthetic - the ability to use the body or part of it to
solve problems and communicate. These children are well coordinated, like
to participate in sports, and enjoy touching things.
. Naturalistic - the ability to attune to the natural environment and
to use information gathered through the senses. These children enjoy outdoor
activities, and tend to have a strong interest in animals, plants, stars,
the weather, etc.
. Interpersonal - the ability to understand the feelings and
intentions of others. These children work well in groups and often play a
leadership role.
. Interpersonal - the ability to understand their own feelings,
motivations, strengths and weaknesses. These children often keep journals
and enjoy solitude
Regards,
Bruce
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