EXPANDING THE HORIZON

Multiple Intelligences is a theory developed by Howard Gardner, meant to help us understand the many aspects of human intelligence, learning style and personality.  He classified intelligence into seven categories:

• Linguistic – words and language
• Logical-Mathematical – logic and numbers
• Musical – music, sound, rhythm
• Bodily-Kinesthetic – body movement control
• Spatial-Visual – images and space
• Interpersonal – other people’s feelings
• Intrapersonal – self-awareness

 

Each individual possesses all seven intelligences, but the magnitude of each is different in each person.  Most people are able to develop each intelligence to a certain level of adequacy, and while many may not be able to achieve the competency they desire, with the proper instruction and training, Gardner supposes that a high level of performance is attainable.  The seven intelligences are integrated in a complex manner, and work together in constant interaction.

Although intelligence is not limited to these seven, they do cover the majority of what we label as knowledge.  Once you have identified which categories you are more proficient in, you can look into the other types and find activities that will help develop those areas.  For example, if you find that you are good at performing music, but only know one language, perhaps you can take an online Spanish class or go through the Rosetta Stone program to learn Mandarin.  Or you are great at sports but don’t think you have an artsy side, maybe you can take an art class or take a trip to an art museum.

Want to find out where your strengths lie in regards to multiple intelligence? >>Click here for some online resources>>

Reference:
http://www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm
http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm#Multiple%20Intelligences%20Explained
http://www.spannj.org/BasicRights/appendix_b.htm