Everyone excels in some subjects, and everyone does not do so hot in other subjects; this is is an obvious fact of life, but many people may not realize why this is so. Howard Gardner was a professor who studied this concept, and he revolutionized the way people perceive intelligence with his theory of “multiple intelligences” (Bishop, Carter, & Kravits, 2007). Gardner’s ideas suggested that humans learn in eight different areas, and these areas fully influence how easy some things are for some people and how difficult other things are. This article will describe the eight different areas of intelligence describe by Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, and it will provide you with study techniques to maximize the use of each intelligence.
Verbal- Linguistic :
Skills
This type of intelligence provides the ability to “analyze your own use of language,” remember words and definitions easily, and understand the use of words and syntax without trouble (Bishop, Carter, & Kravits, 2007). A person with a strong verbal-linguistic intelligence is very convincing and is good at teaching, explaining, and being humorous.
Study Techniques
For a verbal-linguistic intelligence it is important to practice study techniques that include highlighting “no more than 10% of read text”, rewriting and outlining basic ideas of information, and debating information (Bishop, Carter, & Kravits, 2007).
Logical-Mathematical:
Skills
A logical-mathematical person is good at understanding and recognizing patterns that may seem abstract to most people; this type of person will also excel at complex mathematical calculations, scientific reasoning, and understanding and recognizing relationships and connections. A logical-mathematical intelligence is good at “reasoning inductively and deductively” (Bishop, Carter, & Kravits, 2007).
Study Techniques
A person of strong logical-mathematical intelligence should study by creating graphs and charts, outlining information in a logical progression, analyzing information, and finding patterns in information.
Bodily-Kinesthetic:
Skills
A person with a high rate of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence finds it easy to connect the mind with the body; they are also experts in controlling movement and coordination. A person of this intelligence is apt at “improving body functions” and “expanding body awareness to all senses” (Bishop, Carter, & Kravits, 2007).
Study Techniques
For a bodily-kinesthetic learner it is important to be moving when studying; a person of this intelligence should try pacing while studying. A bodily-kinesthetic person should also try moving their finger under words when reading and create games to learn information (Bishop, Carter, & Kravits, 2007).
Visual-Spatial:
Skills
A visual-spatial person is naturally inclined to understand and recognize the “relationship between objects;” they are also good at manipulating and constructing images (Bishop, Carter, & Kravits, 2007). Graphs are something that is easily constructed and understood by people of this intelligence as well.
Study Techniques
For this type of intelligence it is important to use visual aids when studying such as graphs, maps, pictures, and color. It is also beneficial to visualize material and use stimulating images when studying.
Interpersonal:
Skills
People with a strong area of intelligence that is interpersonal can see things from the perspectives of others easily; they are also very good at working in groups. Communication is something that comes naturally to these types of people, and they can create and maintain healthy relationships easily.
Study Techniques
For the interpersonal intelligence an effective study technique is studying in groups; it is also beneficial to teach others the information you are trying to remember. An interpersonal intelligence should discuss information in order to retain it.
Intrapersonal:
Skills
Intrapersonal people are particularly good at looking at themselves and evaluating themselves, their choices, and their thinking. People that excel in this area of intelligence are capable of expressing their feelings and being aware of their feelings; they are also good at understanding their “self in relation to others” (Bishop, Carter, & Kravits, 2007).
Study Techniques
An intrapersonal leaner will find it helpful when studying to “visualize” experiments and information, keep a journal, reflect on the personal meaning of ideas, and study in a quiet place (Bishop, Carter, & Kravits, 2007).
Musical:
Skills
A musical person is attuned to sounds and rhythms; they are naturally inclined to understand the structure of music. This type of intelligence enjoys creating and listening to melodies and rhythms, and they can sense “tonal qualities” (Bishop, Carter, & Kravits, 2007).
Study Techniques
A musical intelligence will find it useful to study with music in the background, put information to beats or rhythms, and create rhythms out of words. It is important for a musical intelligence to take a music break when studying as well.
Naturalistic:
Skills
A person with a highly naturalistic intelligence has a deep understanding and respect for nature. This type of person finds and appreciates the balance in nature, and a naturalistic person finds learning and happiness easiest in a natural environment.
Study Techniques
A useful study technique for the naturalistic intelligence is studying in a natural setting and working in groups of similar interests. It is also beneficial for naturalistic intelligences to take breaks to connect with nature when studying.
According to Gardner there are eight types of intelligences, and they are apparent in all of us. Every person has developed each intelligence to a certain degree, and we find certain subject matter easier or more difficult in accordance to the development that we have in each intelligence. This article will help you understand each intelligence and maximize your learning potential by utilizing your strongest intelligence.
Reference:
Bishop, J., Carter, C., & Kravits, S. (2007). Keys to college studying: Becoming an active thinker [2nd ed.].
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