MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE BY HOWARD GARDNER

Multiple Intelligences by Dr. Howard Gardner

Multiple intelligence theory was developed by Dr. Howard Gardner and was published first in the book called “frames of mind”. In the book, Howard suggests that everybody’s brain is unique and no two people can have the same intelligence. Gardner says that usual way of measuring intelligence by I.Q. testing is too uncertain and is partial to certain kinds of individual with over emphasis on reading, writing and arithmetic skills alone, and a person’s future success is judged accordingly. According to Gardner, all people have intelligences, but in changing amounts, such that each person has a distinctive make-up. These intelligences are based in various areas of the brain and can work either together or independently, can also be nurtured or strengthened. What all are the 9 intelligences? Each one of them is described below. As you read through each one of them, give a thought about your own personal interests, skills and abilities and see whether there is any particular intelligence (maybe several) that applies to you. We are happiest and flourish most when we work, learn and develop ways that works most of us. Howard Gardner formulated a list of multiple intelligences.

Some of them are mentioned below in detail:

Interpersonal Intelligence

Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to relate and understand other peoples’ emotions and intentions. People who are strong in this field learn best by working with others, by mediums such as debates or discussions. These people are extroverts and like to work with others and are natural leaders. They share excellent social relationships and empathize easily with others. Counselors, social workers, politicians, entrepreneurs, customer service, HR professionals are the occupations apt for people having interpersonal intelligence.

Intrapersonal Intelligence

Intrapersonal intelligence deals with self awareness, individual character and expertise in one’s own emotions, strengths, weakness and goals. People in this field are mostly introvert and learn best they are working along. These people always take initiatives to think about life questions and problems.   They are able to learn and get motivated through life’s experiences and failures. Writers, scientists, philosophers, psychologists, researcher and entrepreneur are some of the occupations that suit them.

Logical Mathematics

Logical Mathematics intelligence is about the ability to use reason, logic and numbers. They have a good concept of cause and effect about things. Logical intelligent people love mathematics and science and are sensitive to numerals. These people like to research, experiment, measure, record and analyze.  People like these are curious about things and ask many questions. Accountants, mathematicians, scientists, biologist, chemist, and other occupations that require strong skills in mathematics are good choices for people having this kind of intelligence.

Spatial Intelligence

Spatial intelligence is the intelligence dealing with the ability in visualizing and manipulating objects visually. Spatial people are interested in colors, space and design, strong visual memory and love drawing.  People who are spatial are good at reading maps, navigation and solving puzzles.  They generally have a good sense of direction and enjoy looking at maps, movies, charts, pictures or visual media. Some of the occupations like engineers, artists, architects, landscape designer, sculptor, fashion designer and graphic designer are the one who are appropriate for this kind of intelligence.

Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence

Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is the intelligence dealing with body movements and handle objects skillfully. People who are strong in this intelligence are best in doing something physically as opposed to typical classroom teaching like reading or listening. Kinesthetic people have a good sense of balance and eye-hand coordination and make use of body language while expressing feelings and thoughts. These people are highly dexterous and can move their body to their wish. Dancers, athletes, surgeons, craftsmen, gymnasts, magician drama coach are some of the occupations that require motor skills and suitable for people strong in kinesthetic intelligence.

Linguistic Intelligence

Linguistic intelligence refers to the ability to use words and language. People who are strong in linguistic skills are best in reading, writing, discussing or listening to lectures. Linguistic people have highly developed auditory skills and are highly capable of developing language skills.  They are also very good at remembering people’s names, places, dates or trivial matters. They think in words rather than pictures. They can be writers, editors, lawyers, sociologists, TV or radio presenter, teacher, journalist, lawyers is appropriate for people who are strong in this intelligence.

Musical Intelligence

People who have musical intelligence are sensitive to sounds, music, tones and rhythms. Such people are more likely to demonstrate strong abilities in pitch recognition, singing, and music playing or composing. People who have musical intelligence love music and like to learn musical instruments and excel in imitating and memorizing voices. They are strongly sensitive to environmental sounds (e.g. Bells, crickets, dripping taps).  Occupations like a music teacher, composer, disc jockey, pianist, violinist and players of other instruments are the right choice for this kind of intelligence.

Naturalist Intelligence

People having naturalist intelligence can relate to nature. They learn well by doing something outside the classroom or by doing something physically. They excel in subjects that require collecting and analyzing, or are closely related to nature. Keen to flora and fauna, they care about the environment and ecosystem. These people also love outdoor life and love to observe nature. Naturalists’ people often go for occupations like biologist, farmer, gardener, ecologists, environmentalist is the apt occupations.

Existential Intelligence

Existential intelligence refers to a person's ability to reflect inwardly when learning and interacting with others. These people are self absorbed and used to their inner selves. Expressive and put their opinions to astonishing facts and information. Frequently inspired and good at evaluating themselves, they have their own preferences and convictions. Existential intelligence driven people may be drawn towards careers like human resources workers, ministry, psychiatrist, philosopher, psychologists, social workers and counselors.