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The unique ways we learn, play and make the most out of life.
How we learn can affect how well we learn. While traditional classroom instruction relies on reading and writing skills, new research indicates that people use multiple ways to understand and absorb information.
The multiple intelligences theory, developed by Howard Gardner, Harvard professor of cognition and education, identifies eight multifaceted and interconnected intelligences that everyone has to some degree, and if incorporated into classroom instruction can improve education.
Tulsa Public Schools incorporated multiple intelligences into its model of instruction about eight years ago.
“It’s fascinating,” says Pam Vickers, instructional specialist for Tulsa Public Schools. “As an educator, it’s very useful in working with adults and children, and engaging the learner.”
It’s also satisfying and creates well-rounded students, she says.
“When students know what their multiple intelligences are, they can look for lifelong careers that they like,” Vickers says. “And if you know what you like, you are content and that leads to peace of mind.”
To find your multiple intelligences, take this online assessment. In the meantime, check out what the intelligences are all about:
The eight intelligences simplified
1. Verbal/linguistic: Responds to words and language, remembers material easily and likes writing.
Mark Twain said it best: “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.”
2. Logical/mathematical: Attraction to numbers and problems and a skill for finding patterns and using symbols indicate the usage of this intelligence.
Albert Einstein was tapping into his logical/mathematical intelligence when he calculated E=MC2.
3. Visual/spatial: If you like arranging things, using charts, painting and sculpting, then you might be a visual/spatial learner.
Georgia O’ Keeffe expressed herself through her art: “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I had no words for.”
4. Musical/rhythmic: If you can sing on pitch, tap out rhythms and play music by ear, then you have an aptitude for music and rhythm. Friedrich Nietzsche sums it up for these learners: “Without music, life would be a mistake.”
5. Bodily/kinesthetic: “Let us do or die,” Warren Buffett says. Athletes, dancers, actors and those with good hand-eye coordination learn best through movement and touch, when they are engaging their bodily/kinesthetic intelligence.
6. Naturalist: The naturalist longs to be outside, to collect insects and rocks and discover new plants and animals.
Kahlil Gibran advises: “Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”
7. Interpersonal (social): People with a strong interpersonal intelligence love to interact, empathize, share ideas and be a team player. “After all, the only proper intoxication is conversation,” Oscar Wilde says.
8. Intrapersonal (introspective): The intrapersonal intelligence includes a liking for alone time, internal experience and reflection.
“When I'm not in my right mind, my left mind gets pretty crowded,” Stephen Wright says.
For more information on Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences, visit www.howardgardner.com.
