Learn, Learn, Learn #1

Allow me to get a little academic today:

     Howard Gardner, noted Harvard Professor in the Graduate School of Education, developed the theory of Multiple Intelligences. He determined our brains demonstrate many areas of intelligence but are usually dominated by one or two. He labeled them Intelligences and is quick to point out they are not learning styles. The difference is highly academic and he writes about it in an article for the Washington Post.

     For our purposes, here are the nine intelligences he identifies, and it's helpful to me, regardless of what the good professor says, to think of them as "the best way we learn": (See if you can see yourself in one or two of these categories.)

Nine Types of Intelligences

By Howard Gardner

1. Naturalist Intelligence (Nature Smart)

Designates the human ability to discriminate among living things (plants, animals) as well as sensitivity to other features of the natural world (clouds, rock configurations). Think chef or botanist. 

2. Musical Intelligence (Musical Smart)

Musical intelligence is 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. They are usually quite aware of sounds others may miss.

3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (Number/Reasoning Smart)

Logical-mathematical intelligence is the 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.  Detectives, scientists, and mathematicians fall into this category.

4. Existential Intelligence

Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here.

5. Interpersonal Intelligence (People Smart)

Interpersonal intelligence is 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. Educators, sales people, counselors, and political leaders are probably strong in this area.

6. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (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.

7. Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smart)

Linguistic intelligence is 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. Teachers, writers, lawyers, and poets fall into this category

8. Intra-personal Intelligence (Self Smart)

Intra-personal intelligence is 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.

9. Spatial Intelligence (Picture Smart)

Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in three dimensions.  Core capacities include mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an active imagination. Architects, sculptors, and designers share this intelligence. 

(Summarized from: Overview of the Multiple Intelligences Theory.  Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and Thomas Armstrong.com)

Now for the fun part... 

  

     Plug yourself in. Where do you fit? You can take a simple on-line quiz to determine your personal learning style at http://psychology.about.com/library/quiz/bl-mi-quiz.htm.

     Once you identify the way you learn, it's easy to see why certain subjects were easy for you while you struggled in others. It might explain the difficulties and successes you experienced in the classroom. It also might help you in relating to your child in assisting with homework or in selecting teachers. And...it may help you understand your spouse. What a promise.

Next Post:  Using these Intelligences in Your Devotional Life 

 

 (Using the social media buttons below, share this info with a friend who might benefit from learning about these nine intelligences. Perhaps you know a parent who is struggling with homework battles each evening.)