Multiple Intelligences

We talked in an earlier entry about teachers' personal learning styles. Students also have their own personal learning styles. Way back in 1983 there was the startling discovery that the I.Q. test was a poor measure of a student's intelligence. In fact, the discovery was that there were several different types of intelligences and all the unfortunate failures of the I.Q. might have actually been smart. The count of the number of intelligences today is eight. A quick look at this 'theory', will remind us that a classroom is filled with people, different people with very different approaches to learning. The more we understand these differences, the more we may cultivate the learning capacity of each individual.

Verbal-Linguistic: (word smart) These learners are good with languages and words. They learn best by reading and writing, listening to lectures and debate. They are often good speakers.

Logical-Mathematical: (number/reasoning smart) These learners are good with abstractions, logic and reasoning. They are good with calculations and scientific process.

Visual-Spacial: (picture smart) These learners are often artistic and good with manipulation of objects. They are good at solving puzzles and have a good sense of direction with good hand-eye coordination.

Bodily-Kinesthetic: (body smart) These learners learn best through movement. They would rather do than read or hear about it. They are often good at dance, sports, or building and making things.

Musical: (music smart) These learners have a strong auditory component in their learning strategies. They possess rhythm and pitch. They may sing, compose music or play an instrument. They often learn best through lectures.

Interpersonal: (people smart) These learners work best in groups. They often like debate or discussion. They are usually characterized as extroverts and are often sensitive to others' feelings or moods.

Intrapersonal: (self smart) These learners have a strong sense of self and are aware of their own feelings or thoughts. They are often introspective and can predict their own reactions. They work best alone.

Naturalistic: (nature smart) These newly recognized learners are good with animals. They have a tendency toward nurturing and growing things. They learn best while in a natural setting.

`Are we or our students one of the above, independent from all the others? Or are we by degrees a mixture of the eight intelligences? How can we teach one without excluding another? It is simply with awareness that we can better prepare for the multiple intelligences we will see in our own classrooms.