Almost every brain has the same parts but uses each part completely unalike. Each person in the world has a unique personal way of learning in their brain. This is where the theory of multiple intelligences comes into play. Multiple intelligence stands for different intellectual abilities in a person. This means each person has their own approach to the way they learn. Each individual student now has an improved chance at flourishing in school or in the real world. As said by Howard Gardner himself, “There is no reason algebra needs to be taught in just one way.” ( Edwards, Owen. “An Interview with the Father of Multiple Intelligences.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 1 Apr. 2009, www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-howard-gardner-interview.)
This theory originated from Howard Gardner in 1983. It goes challenges the “definition of intelligence as a general ability that can be measured by a single IQ score. ( Seider, Scott. “An Educator’s Journey Toward Multiple Intelligences.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 1 Apr. 2009, www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-theory-teacher.) There are eight different intelligences; verbal-linguistic, visual-spatial, musical, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, naturalistic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal. Verbal-linguistic intelligence can simple be defined as people who are excellent with words. For example, they excel in oral and written words and are able to understand it easily. They enjoy lecture-based classes. They are quicker at realizing things if it is writing or said right in front of them.
If an individual learns by maps or their surroundings effortlessly then they can be described as a visual-spatial leaning style. If driving around in a car then they can memorize directions simple as ABC. They perform well in geometry or at visual puzzles. Individuals who produce music or understand the different types of sound are known as having musical intelligence. This group comprehends various tones and rhythms. A person who whistles or taps their foot can be recognized as this also. They may excel in playing musical instruments. Logical-mathematical groups are able to solve problems, make calculations, and appreciate science. Their brain operates similar to a computer. Individuals also rely heavily on the six steps of the scientific method.
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They lean towards more math and science-based classes. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is known as “hands on” learning. They use their body to solve and understand problems. These people can be known as being very active and crafty. In their free time they may be seen building something. They would succeed in a class with multiple labs or experiments. Naturalistic intelligence involves being in touch with nature. They have the ability to comprehend the various types of weather, animals, and plants. These people are often seen as sending time in the garden, with animals, or just out adventuring. These are the type of individuals who volunteer at animal shelters. People who try to observe and understand other humans as interpersonal.
Interpersonal intelligence is the skill of being gifted in social interaction. Furthermore, they are quick to create conversation between strangers. They aren’t afraid of speaking up or taking leadership in and out of school. These skills would help them prosper in human interaction. Intrapersonal intelligence is defined as the ability to understand characteristics in yourself. They can understand their own feelings smoothly also known as being self-aware. Some can be known as private or independent. They do not rely on others to thrive. These individuals would succeed as a counselor or psychologist. All of these are eight are known as the multiple intelligence.
As part of this essay a requirement was to complete the multiple intelligence assessment on Edutopia. This test furthered my understanding of multiple intelligence and how my brain operates. The two portions I scored lowest in were musical and bodily-kinesthetic, both of these were a twenty-five percent. I am not surprised by these results since I am not musically talented at all and I already know I learn better by reading material. The second lowest score was a forty-two percent in linguistic. The next one was logical-mathematical with a sixty-three percent.
The third highest score was a sixty-seven in naturalistic. In intrapersonal category my results were a sixty-nine percent. The highest score in the test was a seventy-five percent in visual-spatial. I believe visual-spatial intelligence is my greatest strength in learning. I am able to visualize anything and notice colors and shapes easily. I enjoy scrolling through Pinterest looking at different designs and ideas, they help me come up with ideas in real life scenarios. When I was a child, I would always be looking straight out the windows, trying to remember where we were going, street names, and how to get back to places we would go as a family. I am still to this day the one who always is telling people how to get to and from places. Being a visual-spatial learner helped me excel in geometry my freshman year with an A. I would not say I am the best at painting or drawing but I do enjoy observing it and understanding it.
My second highest score was in intrapersonal intelligence. I would agree with this test that this category is one of my top strengths. I spend a lot of time thinking and reflecting on what I want to do with my life. I try to plan out every single day and enjoy studying alone rather than with friends. This is a strength to me because it keeps me better organized every day. I also am more eager to give advice and be a listening ear for a friend or stranger. Since I am able to understand my feelings better I can help other people understand with my ways.
In my workforce class my sophomore, I had a teacher who understood this theory and applied into her class. She taught the class each type of intelligence and had activities where we could learn which intelligence was our strongest strength. This was extremely resourceful to multiple students, we learned our strengths and our weaknesses. Multiple intelligence theory helped me vastly in succeeding in school and in life outside. It helps each person understand themselves and how their brain functions better.
