By: Holly Mason
Intelligence is often measured in the same ways: standardized testing, intelligence quotas (IQ), and grades. This system has led many students to believe that they do not possess the intellect or skills needed to succeed in life. Yet intelligence comes in many forms.
The common belief that intelligence is easily measured and solely based on book smarts was explored in Howard Gardner’s 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Here, Gardner explains eight types of intelligence. These intelligences break down thus:
Naturalist: this person organizes information neatly, is in tune with nature and animals, and enjoys camping and gardening. Good career choices for someone with naturalist intelligence include biologist or farmer.
Intrapersonal: those with strong intrapersonal intelligence are highly self aware, self reflective, and in tune with their emotions. These individuals will excel studying fields in philosophy, journalism or science.
Interpersonal: people with interpersonal intelligence are charismatic, have ease resolving conflicts, and enjoy public speaking. Interpersonal intelligence is very useful in being a salesperson, politician or counselor.
Musical: musical intelligence involves singing, playing musical instruments and understanding musical notes, structure and rhythm. Careers related to musical intelligence include composer, music teacher and musician.
Bodily Kinesthetic: having bodily kinesthetic intelligence means one excels at sports, dance, hand-eye coordination or other hobbies involving bodily movement. Sculptors, actors, athletes and dancers often have bodily kinesthetic intelligence.
Logical-Mathematical: this individual excels at problem solving, science and complex computations. Those with logical-mathematical intelligence are often accountants, scientists or engineers.
Linguistic-Verbal: linguistic-verbal intelligence includes writing, debating, vocabulary and memorization. Careers related to linguistic-verbal intelligence include teacher, lawyer and journalist.
Visual-Spatial: visual-spatial intelligence is often seen in architects, artists and engineers. They have success in visual arts, reading, puzzles and understanding directions.
Knowing one’s strengths can help identify future jobs and even benefit educators by identifying students’ talents and learning styles. To find out their strengths, students can take the “Find Your Strengths!” quiz at http://www.literacynet.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html
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