The
theory of multiple intelligences was proposed by
Howard Gardner in 1983 to analyze and better describe the concept of
intelligence. Gardner argues that the concept of intelligence as traditionally defined in
psychometrics (IQ tests) does not sufficiently describe the wide variety of
cognitive abilities humans display. For example, the theory states that a child who learns to
multiply easily is not necessarily more intelligent than a child who has stronger skills in another
kind of intelligence.
[...]
Gardner has articulated eight basic types of intelligence to date, without claiming that this is a complete list.
The theory's eight currently accepted intelligences are: (Ref:
Educational Psychology, Robert Slavin. 2009, 117)
- Spatial
- Linguistic
- Logical-mathematical
- Bodily-kinesthetic
- Musical
- Interpersonal
- Intrapersonal
- Naturalistic
Bodily-kinesthetic
The core elements of the bodily-
kinesthetic intelligence are control of one's bodily motions and the capacity to handle objects skillfully (206). Gardner elaborates to say that this intelligence also includes a sense of timing, a clear sense of the goal of a physical action, along with the ability to train responses so they become like reflexes.
In theory, people who have bodily-kinesthetic intelligence should learn better by involving muscular movement (e.g. getting up and moving around into the learning experience), and are generally good at physical activities such as sports or dance. They may enjoy acting or performing, and in general they are good at building and making things. They often learn best by doing something physically, rather than by reading or hearing about it. Those with strong bodily-kinesthetic intelligence seem to use what might be termed muscle memory - they remember things through their body such as
verbal memory.
Careers that suit those with this intelligence include: athletes, pilots, dancers, musicians, actors, surgeons, doctors, builders, police officers, and soldiers. Although these careers can be duplicated through virtual simulation, they will not produce the actual physical learning that is needed in this intelligence.<SUP id=cite_ref-3 class=reference>
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Musical
This area has to do with sensitivity to sounds, rhythms,
tones, and music. People with a high musical intelligence normally have good pitch and may even have
absolute pitch, and are able to sing, play musical instruments, and compose music. Since there is a strong auditory component to this intelligence, those who are strongest in it may learn best via lecture.
Language skills are typically highly developed in those whose base intelligence is musical. In addition, they will sometimes use songs or rhythms to learn. They have sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, meter, tone, melody or timbre.
Careers that suit those with this intelligence include instrumentalists, singers, conductors, disc-jockeys, orators, writers and composers.
