Chapter 3 – Multiple Intelligences

What does being smart mean?

• Having a high IQ?
• Being a high achiever?
• Being a problem solver?
• Being smart means the ability to solve problems, or to create products that are valued within one or more cultural settings. – Howard Gardner

Multiple Intelligences

• Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence
  • Have good language skills
  • Enjoy reading, writing papers, doing crossword puzzles or story telling activities
  • Learn best by speaking, writing, reading, & listening
  • Possible Careers: librarian, lawyer, journalist, TV/radio announcer, English teacher, editor
• Mathematical/Logical Intelligence
  • Good with numbers, logic, problem solving, pattern, relationships, and categories
  • Prefer math & science to English class
  • Want to know “how” and “why” things work
  • Convert texts to charts/tables or graphs
  • Possible Careers: accountant, mathematician, computer programmer, economist, math/science teacher, auditor, tax preparer
• Visual/Spatial Intelligence
  • Think in images/pictures; draw pictures to give examples
  • Enjoy charts, graphs, maps, illustrations, puzzles, and models
  • Prefer picture books to text books
  • Color code your notes
  • When attention wanders, focus it by sketching/drawing
  • Possible Careers: architect, artist, graphic designer, photographer, interior decorator, engineer
• Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence
  • Good at physical activities; coordinated and athletic
  • Enjoy building things, woodworking, dancing, skiing, sewing and craft
  • Prefer to participate rather than just watch
  • Cannot sit still for a long period of time
  • Walk as reciting; study in different location; and create flash cards
  • Possible Careers: PE teacher, athletic coach, chiropractor, massage therapist, dancer, choreographer, actor
• Musical/Rhythmic Intelligence
  • Good at responding to sounds, remembering melodies, or musical expressions
  • Feel productive when music is on
  • During study breaks, play/listen to music
  • Possible Careers: musician, music teacher, piano tuner. Musical instrument sales representative, instrument maker
• Intrapersonal Intelligence
  • Exceptionally aware of their own feelings/values
  • reserved/self-motivated people
  • Prefer to work on individual projects rather than group projects
  • Take time to think before talking
  • Study before attending study group
  • Enjoy writing in a journal or being alone with their thoughts
  • Possible Careers: Priest, professor of philosophy or religion, counseling, creator of a small business
• Interpersonal Intelligence
  • Outgoing people; have lots of friends
  • Prefer group work over working alone
  • Enjoy speaking/listening rather than reading/writing
  • Sensitive to the feelings and intentions of others
  • Volunteer to give speeches
  • Good leaders
  • Possible Careers: Manager, administrator, salesperson, psychologist, nurse, travel agent, creator of midsize to large business
• Naturalist Intelligence
  • Love outdoor activities
  • Recognize details in plants, animals, rocks, clouds, and other natural formations
  • As a child, enjoyed collecting leaves, insects, and nature-related objects
  • Recite coursework while hiking
  • Focus on careers that hold the potential for working outdoors
  • Possible Careers: environmental activist, park ranger, historian, museum curator, biologist, mechanic, woodworker, construction contractor
• Each of us has all of these intelligences to some degree. And each of us can learn to enhance them.