Intelligence
Intelligence is a key component of all learning. Teaching and learning can be enhanced when students are exposed to a variety of meaningful activities that target their intelligences.
Many teachers are unaware that students are capable of having multiple intelligences. By understanding this, teachers can design lessons, classroom layouts, and assignments to best suit their students’ unique needs.
Linguistic Intelligence
Linguistic intelligence consists of the ability to use language to express one’s thoughts and feelings. It’s a natural ability that can be enhanced or developed.
Verbal linguistic skills can be sharpened through the use of word games and other methods. This includes reading nonfiction books and articles, playing vocabulary-building games such as Scrabble, Crostix, and Word Scramble, and practicing public speaking.
Traditionally, linguistic and logical/mathematical intelligence have been highly valued in education and learning environments. Teachers can enhance their students’ linguistic intelligence by encouraging them to keep journals and play word games.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
One of the eight multiple intelligences identified by developmental psychologist Howard Gardner, logical-mathematical intelligence involves the ability to classify, compare, understand relationships and patterns, and solve problems logically. This is an important skill that can be developed through different activities, especially in early years.
Teachers can help students develop their logical-mathematical intelligence by focusing on activities that promote this style of learning. These can include reading and analyzing data, making charts and graphs, and writing stories.
Musical Intelligence
Music is a wonderful tool to use when teaching students. It helps students connect their lessons with a sense of rhythm and can also enhance their learning.
People with musical intelligence often have an innate ability to remember and differentiate between tunes and sound patterns. They may also have a strong sense of tone, tap to or move rhythmically to sounds or music, and enjoy composing or performing.
Some people have “perfect pitch,” which is the ability to know the exact pitch of a song without hearing it. This can help teachers identify students who are musically intelligent.
Spatial Intelligence
Spatial intelligence is a concept that can be helpful for teachers and students alike. This is a cognitive process that involves being able to accurately perceive and understand information that is presented visually.
It is often a foundational intelligence for many other areas of learning and creativity. This intelligence enables people to visualize things and rotate, transform, and manipulate objects in three-dimensional spaces.
Architects, engineers, and artists are examples of professions where spatial intelligence is important for them to do their jobs well. It is also important for teachers to teach students this skill because it can help them do their work more efficiently and effectively.
Interpersonal Intelligence
Interpersonal intelligence is an ability to understand and interact with people. It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions among others, and sensitivity to moods and temperaments.
It’s a skill that’s useful for teachers and students alike. It can help them become empathetic, assertive, and persuasive leaders.
It also allows them to communicate their feelings and beliefs without being insulted or offended. It can also help them calmly resolve disagreements.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
People with intrapersonal intelligence are able to look inward and figure out their own feelings, motivations, and goals. They are intuitive and usually introverted.
They enjoy journaling and are good at helping others understand themselves through reflection. They also tend to have a lot of knowledge about psychology, philosophy, and theology.
They know what their strengths and weaknesses are, which makes them better at setting realistic goals and focusing on improving those areas of their personality. They are also willing to listen to constructive criticism without getting defensive or sulking.
