If you know what you are good at, then work on it to make it better. However, where you are not good at doing something, work with others who are better than you are in that area, so you can also improve. If you want to know more about your own intelligences and what you are inclined to do, you can try Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Test.
The Multiple Intelligence (MI) theory is developed by Howard Gardner, Professor of Cognition and Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education & Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. His theory identified at least 7 distinct ways/intelligences to understand a person’s preferred learning styles, behavioural and working styles. These are what comprise his theory of Multiple Intelligences:
Linguistic: Words and Language
Sensitivity to the meaning of words. Learners have highly developed auditory skills and often think in words. They can be motivated and encouraged by words and usually like reading and playing word games. Tools: Books, Lecture, Video / Voice Recording, computers, multimedia games.
Logical-Mathematical: Logic and Numbers
Learners think conceptually, abstractly and are able to see and explore patterns and relationships. They need to form concepts in their mind before dealing with the details. They enjoy solving puzzles, mysteries, doing experiments and asking cosmic questions.
Musical: Music, Sound, Rhythm
Sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, meter, tone, melody and timbre. Learners may learn better with music in the background. They can love music and are usually sensitive to the environmental sounds, so they can be taught by speaking rhythmically to them or turning study materials into lyrics.
Bodily-Kinesthetic: Body Movement Control
Control of one’s bodily motions and the capacity to handle objects skilfully. Keen sense of body awareness, usage of one’s body or parts of the body (hands, legs or mouth) to solve problems. Learners prefer to be taught through physical activity, hands-on learning, actions or role playing. They like movements, creating things or touching things.
Spatial-Visual: Images and Space
Ability to mentally visualize objects and spatial dimensions. Learners absorb knowledge through graphics, charts, drawings, photographs, models, video, multimedia, etc. They like to draw, solve jigsaw puzzles and read maps.
Interpersonal: Other People’s Feelings
Communicate effectively with other people and build relationships easily with the ability to understand and interpret verbal and nonverbal behavior of others. Learners understand more through interactions, group activities, seminars. They are street smart and usually have many friends as they can empathize people.
Intrapersonal: Self-Awareness
Most independent of the learners. They understand their own interests, emotions, goals, and reflect on their own actions. Learners are taught through independent study and introspection. They are mostly in tune with their inner feelings and require privacy and time to develop their skillsets.
TRY THIS FREE MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES TEST
Download this free multiple intelligences test to find out which intelligence you are more inclined to: Download Now
RESOURCES AND REFERENCES
- Gardner, H. (2011). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. Basic books.
- Gardner, H. (2006). Multiple intelligences: New horizons. Basic books.
- Multiple Intelligences Test Extracted from: Businessballs