Simon Percival

How we are all Intelligent

How would you define ‘intelligent’? Who would you define as intelligent?

You may have become accustomed to a narrow definition of intelligence that’s seeped into acceptance, but it’s not just about whether you’re a whiz with equations or outstanding at word puzzles. How many of our ancestors do you think showed off their intelligence by waving around a completed cryptic crossword? In his book Frames of Mind (1993, Basic Books) Harvard professor, Howard Gardner suggested that there are several types of intelligence that we all possess in different measures. These are not fixed at one level either; people can be taught to improve their weaker ones. His theory doesn’t label for ‘success’ or ‘failure’; it allows individuals to relate to their learning.

Bodily-Kinaesthetically

People strong in bodily kinaesthetic intelligence will usually:

  • be skilful in using their body
  • be creative and proficient in making and using objects
  • learn by doing, having a ‘hands-on’ approach

Footballers and surgeons will be strong in this intelligence.

Mathematical-Logically

People strong in mathematical/ logical intelligence will usually:

  • be problem-solvers
  • see patterns and trends easily
  • enjoy order, logical explanations and sequencing activities

Accountants and computer technicians will be strong in this intelligence.

 

 

 

Linguistically

People strong in linguistic intelligence will usually:

  • be good communicators
  • have an interest in all things connected with words
  • learn through reading, writing, listening and discussing

Teachers and writers will be strong in this intelligence.

Visual-Spatially

People strong in visual/spatial intelligence will usually:

  • be able to easily interpret information provided in a visual, non-written form
  • visualise described scenes and objects easily
  • retain information effectively by watching others and ‘seeing’ vivid mental images

Taxi drivers and painters will be strong in this intelligence.

 

 

 

Intrapersonally

People strong in intrapersonal intelligence will usually:

  • value time on their own
  • understand themselves and their needs well
  • think things through carefully, be reflective

Yoga teachers and academic theorists will be strong in this intelligence.

Musically

People strong in musical intelligence will usually:

  • see music as important in everyday life
  • have a good sense of rhythm
  • enjoy experimenting with music and sound

Concert pianists and songwriters will be strong in this intelligence.

 

 

 

Interpersonally

People strong in interpersonal intelligence will usually:

  • fit in well with different groups of people
  • be able to see things from other people’s points of view
  • enjoy working in groups

Counsellors and business consultants will be strong in this intelligence.

Naturalistally

People strong in naturalist intelligence will usually:

  • be interested in the environment
  • be able to identify and classify species and see connections between them
  • enjoy working outdoors

National Park wardens and vets will be strong in this intelligence.

 

 

 

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