The theory of multiple intelligences........seems the IQ test doesn't tell someones intelligence - neither does their education!
The theory of multiple intelligences was proposed by Howard Gardner in 1983 as a model of intelligence that differentiates intelligence into various specific (primarily sensory) modalities, rather than seeing it as dominated by a single general ability.
About twenty-five years ago, Dr. Howard Gardner came up with a new theory about
intelligence. He proposed that people were much more complex than what could be
revealed in an IQ test or any other standardized testing model. He argued that
different people have different strengths (i.e. intelligence types).
Before this time, it was generally believed that intelligence was a single entity that was inherited.
Now researchers know the opposite; that there exists a multitude of intelligences
that are quite independent of each other. It is also now known that each of
these intelligence types comes with its own strengths and constraints.
Gardner argues that there is a wide range of cognitive abilities, and that there are only very weak correlations between these. For example, the theory predicts that a child who learns to multiply easily is not necessarily generally more intelligent than a child who has more difficulty on this task. The child who takes more time to master simple multiplication 1) may best learn to multiply through a different approach, 2) may excel in a field outside of mathematics, or 3) may even be looking at and understanding the multiplication process at a fundamentally deeper level, or perhaps as an entirely different process. Such a fundamentally deeper understanding can result in what looks like slowness and can hide a mathematical intelligence potentially higher than that of a child who quickly memorizes the multiplication table despite a less detailed understanding of the process of multiplication.
Dr. Howard Gardner built a model of different intelligence types, including linguistic and verbal intelligence, logical intelligence, spatial intelligence, body/movement intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence, Existential Intelligence and naturalist intelligence. Each one of these intelligence types is located in specific regions of the brain. However, a person can be strong in several intelligence types.
I suggest you print off the following list and underline what you feel you are strong in and then shorten the list to the strongest down, this will help you understand who you really are.
This process is very helpful to do the same with your partner, kids or family to help you understand those close to you better. You will get to know their natural talents, gifts and intelligences and hence have a better understanding of them.
Linguistic and Verbal Intelligence
A person strong in this area is good with words. They are often good at writing, reading, and talking about things. This group often includes writers, poets, lawyers and public speakers.
Linguistic Intelligence in short are Word Smart
They have the ability to think in words and to use language to express and appreciate complex meanings. Linguistic intelligence allows us to understand the order and meaning of words and to apply meta-linguistic skills to reflect on our use of language. Linguistic intelligence is the most widely shared human competence and is evident in poets, novelists, journalists, and effective public speakers. Young adults with this kind of intelligence enjoy writing, speaking, debating, reading, telling stories, expressing ideas in words or doing crossword / word puzzles.
Logical and Mathematical Intelligence
A person strong in this area is good with math and logic problems. They often enjoy solving mysteries, reading about scientific discoveries, and like to figure out how things work. They are also usually good with computers and a variety of other gadgets.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence people in short are good with Numbers and Reasoning
These people have the natural ability to calculate, quantify, consider propositions and hypotheses, and carry out complete mathematical operations. It enables us to perceive relationships and connections and to use abstract, symbolic thought; sequential reasoning skills; and inductive and deductive thinking patterns. Logical intelligence is usually well developed in mathematicians, scientists, and detectives. Young adults with lots of logical intelligence are interested in patterns, problem solving, using logical arguments, reasoning, researching, experimenting, analysing, hypothesising, ordering, making patterns, categories, and relationships. They are drawn to arithmetic problems, strategy games and experiments.
Spatial and Visual Intelligence
A person strong in this area is good with pictures and images. They are often good at putting puzzles together. They appreciate art and photography, like to draw or doodle, notice details, prefer geometry over algebra, and are good at directions.
Spatial Intelligence people in short are “Picture Smart”
These people have the ability to think in three dimensions. Core capacities include mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an active imagination. Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects all exhibit spatial intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence may be fascinated with mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or spend free time drawing or daydreaming
Body and Movement Intelligence
A person strong in this area is good with sports and movement. They often talk with their hands, like to build things, clown around in class, have great balance, and are good at a variety of sports. They often love to play sport, control movement, miming, acting, learning activities, manipulating, making and fixing things.
Musical Intelligence
A person strong in this area is good with music and rhythm. They can often read music, remember old songs, notice patterns, and can naturally figure out how to play a tune on an instrument.
Musical Intelligence people in short are “Musical Smart”
These people have the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone. This intelligence enables us to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music, as demonstrated by composers, conductors, musicians, vocalist, and sensitive listeners. Interestingly, there is often an affective connection between music and the emotions; and mathematical and musical intelligences may share common thinking processes. Young adults with this kind of intelligence are usually singing or drumming to themselves. They are usually quite aware of sounds others may miss they are sensitive to pitch, timbre, timing and rhythm, memorising songs and tunes, playing an instrument and creating sound effects.
Interpersonal Intelligence
A person strong in this area is good with people. They are good listeners, can read body language, hate injustice, can see through people who are not being honest, hurt when others hurt, enjoy deep conversations, and often reach out to others who are hurting. Educators, counselors, salespeople, religious and political leaders all need a well-developed interpersonal intelligence.
Interpersonal Intelligence people are quite simply "People Smart”
These people have the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions among others, sensitivity to the moods and temperaments of others, and the ability to entertain multiple perspectives. Teachers, social workers, actors, and politicians all exhibit interpersonal intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence are leaders among their peers, are good at communicating, and seem to understand others’ feelings and motives. They have a good understanding of human behaviour and motivation, interacting socially, co-operation, leadership, organising and managing others, negotiation, mediation, empathy and sensitivity to others.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
A person strong in this area is good at analyzing things. They often think a lot and are highly aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They also often keep a journal and think deeply about life.
Intra-personal Intelligence people are naturally "Self Smart”
These people have the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts and feelings, and to use such knowledge in planning and directioning one’s life. Intra-personal intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also of the human condition. It is evident in psychologist, spiritual leaders, and philosophers. These young adults may be shy. They are very aware of their own feelings and are self-motivated, they have self-understanding, self-discipline, are able to reflect, analysis of own learning and feelings, identifying one's own strengths and weaknesses, using one's own experiences to understand and explain.
Naturalist Intelligence
A person strong in this area is good at understanding nature. They enjoy the wilderness and like to read about nature. They also categorize things, collect things, and enjoy studying plant parts.
Naturalist Intelligence have a natural “Nature Smarts”
These people have the human ability to discriminate among living things (plants, animals) as well as sensitivity to other features of the natural world (clouds, rock configurations). This ability was clearly of value in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers, and farmers; it continues to be central in such roles as botanist or chef. It is also speculated that much of our consumer society exploits the naturalist intelligences, which can be mobilized in the discrimination among cars, sneakers, kinds of makeup, and the like.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Bodily-Kinesthetic people are “Body Smart”
Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is the capacity to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical skills. This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and the perfection of skills through mind–body union. Athletes, dancers, surgeons, and craftspeople exhibit well-developed bodily kinesthetic intelligence they may enjoy creating artwork, drawing, painting, creating mental pictures, mapping, making diagrams, solving mazes, designing, photography, navigation, drawing plans and graphing.
Existential Intelligence
These people are naturally good with sensitivity and have the capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here.
So what are our schools doing to bring out the best in our children.....nothing it seems!
Schools often favor verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences. This is because most schools are centered around verbal lectures and a core curriculum that puts a lot of importance on science and math. To cater to all types of learners, schools must strive to find a balance that incorporates the arts, self-awareness, communication, and physical education.
By teaching our children in a variety of different forms, we allow them to become holistic learners. Now that wouldn't be so bad would it?
