Multidirectional Learning Is That Learning

¶ … multidirectional learning is that learning does not proceed in a consistent pattern, with an individual inevitably growing wiser over time (Child development, n.d., Conception through early childhood). This can be seen in Forest's development, whereby he experiences occasional flashes of insight over the course of his life, despite his mental disability. When he first recognizes his ability to run fast, he gains a sense of empowerment and feels a sense of community with his fellow human beings. However, his desperation to be liked causes him to 'fall in line' with the rigors of the army and finds Forest unwittingly opposing his beloved childhood friend Jenny during Vietnam. The sense of empowerment he gained through physical activity does not always consistently stay with him because of his insecurities about his intelligence. Similarly, the multicontextual nature of development is illustrated in Forest's life because his mental disability is only one of the many influences upon his life: he is influenced by the sweep of history on a macro level and the unique determination of his mother on a micro level.

His development is also multicultural in nature because it is influenced by a variety of unique cultural components, such as the fact he is Caucasian, male, and lives in the South. Had Forest been born African-American or female his life would have been different and far more limited by racism or sexism. The multidisciplinary nature of existence is illustrated in how Forest's biology influences him (it would be interesting to speculate how a very bright boy with his mother might have flourished); how his inability to 'pick up' on certain social cues influences him, and how his uniquely strong emotions and loyalty influences him (Child development, n.d., Conception through early childhood). The fact that Forest is not a 'typical' developmentally disabled person and shows substantial plasticity and ability to be influenced by his external environment underlines the fact that there is no singular, unified trajectory of development for anyone -- even someone with a clearly defined impediment.

Forest's life clearly illustrates Howard Gardener's theory of multiple intelligences. Although Forest lacks the type of intelligences that allow him to succeed in school such as verbal and mathematical intelligences, he has profound goodness within his heart. This shows his interpersonal or empathetic intelligence. He selflessly helps others throughout his life and seems to intuitively know what to say to people like Jenny, when they feel sad. This also gives him emotional resiliency, as famously expressed in his comment about how 'life is like a box of chocolates.' Forest is kinesthetically gifted, as can be seen in his great speed as a runner. And he is also intrapersonally intelligent -- he understands himself. He knows that he is lacking in intelligence, but that he is a good-hearted person and believes that makes him worthy of love, even Jenny's love (Smith 2008).