So how do you really know if your child is smart? How do you measure it? Is it by their GPA? Not necessarily. The great thing about people is that we actually have multiple intelligences! Our knowledge about the world and how we interact with it can be broken down into 8 types of intelligence. We do not need to possess all 8 to be the best, but having 3-4 different types of intelligences are definitely beneficial. Think of it this way: if individuals were to possess all eight, their time and energy would be split up, thus diluting the quality of their strengths versus excelling in their natural intelligence.
Psychologist Howard Gardner coined the term multiple intelligences in his book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences in 1983. He proposed that there are 7-8 distinct intelligences that govern how humans interact in the world by taking in and using the information we learn. By learning multiple intelligences, you can help your child succeed when he or she struggles to grasp a certain concept. The more teachers and educators communicate their lesson plans to their students in various forms, the better the students will understand and retain the material.
Let’s take a look of the different types of intelligence that we are capable of acquiring:
1. Linguistic Intelligence: The ability to read, write and communicate ideas well to others.
• Careers that rely on linguistic intelligence: Writers, Speakers, Trainers, Orators, Professors, Lawyers
• Example of Famous People with Linguistic Intelligence: Shakespeare, Abraham Lincoln
2. Mathematical/Logical Intelligence: The ability to be proficient with numbers as well as being able to think logically, systematically and analytically.
• Careers that rely on logical intelligence: Scientists, Mathematicians, Engineers, Accountants, Physicists
• Example of Famous People with Mathematical/Logical Intelligence: Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking
3. Musical Intelligence: The ability to understand (hearing patterns), recognize, appreciate, and create music.
• Careers that rely on musical intelligence: Sound Engineers, Composers, Musicians
• Example of Famous People with Musical Intelligence: Beethoven, Mozart, Clint Eastwood
4. Visual/Spatial Intelligence: The ability to see things in the mind’s eye and visualize plans or drawings. Spatial intelligence can be used in the arts AND the sciences.
• Careers that rely on visual/spatial intelligence: Artists, Architects, Interior Designers, Graphic Designers, City Planners, Landscapers
• Example of Famous People with Visual/Spatial Intelligence: Leonardo da Vinci, Frank Lloyd Wright, Michelangelo
5. Physical/Kinesthetic Intelligence: Athletic abilities and dexterity. Individuals with physical intelligence are also able to use their whole body or parts of their body to solve a problem and/or express solutions.
• Careers that rely on physical/kinesthetic intelligence: Athletics, Performing Artists (Dancers or Actors), Mechanics, Surgeons, Crafts People, Yoga or Aerobics Instructors, Physical Therapists
• Example of Famous People with Physical/Kinesthetic Intelligence: Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, Steph Curry, Barry Bonds, and Charlie Chaplin
6. Interpersonal Intelligence: The ability to understand other people and communicate with them.
• Careers that rely on interpersonal intelligence: Psychologists, Sociologist, Anthropologists, Salespeople, Parents, Diplomats, Teachers, Politicians, and Leaders
• Example of Famous People with Interpersonal Intelligence: Mother Theresa and John F. Kennedy
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence: The ability and desire to analyze one’s own behavior and decipher which things to avoid and which to gravitate to.
• Careers that rely on intrapersonal intelligence: Researchers, Philosophers, Psychologists
• Example of Famous People with Intrapersonal Intelligence: Socrates and Freud
8. Naturalistic Intelligence: The ability to relate to the natural world.
• Careers that rely on naturalistic intelligence: Farmers, Biologists, Environmentalists, Horticulturists
• Example of Famous People with Naturalistic Intelligence: Charles Darwin
So you must be thinking now why is it important to be aware of what types of intelligence my son or daughter has? Great question! By acknowledging and being aware of your child’s strength, you can help your child learn complex concepts in various forms. For example, if your child does not quite understand the atomic model by just reading the text book, and he or she has a higher spatial intelligence, having him or her draw, recreate the atomic model while explaining the atoms and neutrons not only engages your child, but allows him or her to understand it.
Intelligence can be inherited and learned. However, it is important to note that hard work does come into play to help improve and maintain various intelligences. What’s also important to note is that linguistic and mathematical intelligence thrive in the American school system, but may not be as favorable or useful when the student enters the working world. For example, the student may understand complex mathematical concepts and score well on tests, but if he or she doesn’t understand how to get along with his or her co-workers (interpersonal intelligence), the student struggles in the real world. It’ll be harder for individuals to move up in society if they are unable to find anyone to recommend his or her effort and collaboration in the work place. Maintaining a job or advancing in one’s career requires knowledge and the capacity to get along with individuals. Nevertheless all 8 intelligences are valued in today’s society and it’s about understanding your child’s strengths to succeed in life. There is no “better” type of intelligence over the other, and it is important to maintain an open mind. After all, what’s the use of a good education if you are not able to express the joys of it to others or to help society?
Want to see which intelligences you and your child have? Check out this website for a free mini multiple intelligences assessment: http://www.literacyworks.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html
By Jessica Li , ThinkTank Learning Academic Counselor and Admissions Consultant