What is Multiple Intelligence? [Part-1]

We often come across the word ‘multiple intelligence’, especially in the context of education. With the advent of NCF and the integration of the framework within schools, it has become more important to understand multiple intelligences and how they function.

What is the ‘Multiple Intelligence Framework’? 

Proposed by Howard Gardner in 1983, the multiple intelligence theory refers to a theory that outlines the various ways that humans learn and acquire information. It moves away from the traditional theory of ‘I.Q’ based intelligence testing.

What are the multiple intelligences?

When Gardner first proposed his theory, he gave six intelligences. Today educators consider eight intelligences while implementing this theory. They are as follows:

  1. Verbal-linguistic Intelligence 
  2. Logical-mathematical Intelligence
  3. Naturalistic Intelligence
  4. Spatial-visual Intelligence
  5. Interpersonal Intelligence 
  6. Intrapersonal Intelligence
  7. Musical-rhythmic Intelligence
  8. Bodily-kinesthetic Intelligence

While human beings might possess all these different types of intelligence, it is believed that they are inherently better at some of these as compared to others. Let’s take an in-depth look at four of these in this blog.

  1. Verbal-linguistic Intelligence –
    A person who has a higher verbal-linguistic intelligence will be good with languages. They are good at reading, writing, telling stories and have good verbal comprehension.
    Learners with this type of intelligence learn better through reading, writing, discussion, debate, hearing and seeing words. They will likely understand instructions faster when they are written or read out to them.

  2. Logical-mathematical Intelligence –
    Students who display an innate skill with numbers and reasoning are believed to have a higher logical-mathematical intelligence. They use reasoning to understand and learn. They are competent at pattern recognition, mathematical calculation, logical reasoning and problem-solving.
    Learners with this type of intelligence make use of logical questions and analyze data and causal relationships to understand a topic better. They are inclined to record information systematically and solve abstract problems through logical scenarios.

  3. Naturalistic Intelligence –
    Naturalistic refers to the area of intelligence that is closely related to understanding and nurturing one’s surroundings. Students with a high naturalistic intelligence have excellent observation skills. They readily make distinctions in the natural world and use this skill for productive activities.
    Students with this type of intelligence learn better in the presence of nature. They can relate natural phenomena with their academic learning and thus learn better. They also have higher sensory awareness of their surroundings.

  4. Spatial-visual Intelligence –
    Learners who are skilled at the perception of the physical world and mental visualization fall under the category of spatial-visual intelligence. Humans with this type of intelligence are able to visualise with their mind’s eye. They also find it easy to read charts, graphs, maps, etc.
    A visual stimuli works best with learners who exhibit a high spatial-visual intelligence. They learn best by working with pictures and models. They are also skilled at artistic creations that require some degree of spatial awareness like industrial design, architecture, landscape design, etc.

A child can exhibit excellence in multiple fields. At Giggles & Scribbles, we believe that a child has an innate talent that should be nurtured. We also believe that it is only through the development of all types of intelligence that we can ensure a child’s holistic development.
Do you want to learn more about how we use these intelligences in our everyday teaching? Reach out to us at +919225683753!

 

A chart showing the multiple intelligence - verbal-liguistic, logical-mathematical, naturalistic and visual-spatial.
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