Multiple Intelligences Explained

MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES

EXPLAINED

You have many types of intelligences, some of which you utilise and develop further through your school subjects, others you will develop and express outside of your academic experience. People usually have one to two dominant types. It is very useful to know what your dominant types are, as it can help you understand yourself and others.

SPATIAL INTELLIGENCE (PICTURES SMART)

If you are strong in spatial intelligence, you will think and process information in pictures and images and can visualise them in fi rst, second and third dimensions. You have excellent visual receptive and fi ne motor skills. You use your eyes and hands to make artistic or creatively designed projects. You excel at reading maps and enjoy building with Lego and putting together 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles.

LOGICAL-MATHEMATICAL INTELLIGENCE (MATHS SMART)

If you are strong in logical-mathematical intelligence, you will enjoy working with numbers. You can easily interpret data and analyse abstract patterns. You have a well-developed ability to reason and are good at chess and computer programming. You think logically, in terms of cause and effect.

INTERPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE (PEOPLE SMART)

If you are strong in interpersonal intelligence, you will have a natural ability to interact with, relate to and get along with others effectively. You are a good leader and are able to use your insights about others to negotiate, persuade and obtain information. You like to interact with others and usually have lots of friends

BODILY-KINESTHETIC INTELLIGENCE (BODY SMART)

If you are strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, you will experience and be highly aware of the world through touch and movement. You have a special harmony between your body and your mind. You can control your body with grace, expertise and athleticism.

NATURALISTIC INTELLIGENCE (NATURE SMART)

If you are strong in naturalistic intelligence, you will have a keen interest in the environment and feel a strong connection to the natural world. You enjoy being in nature and want to protect it from pollution and destruction. You can easily recognise and categorise plants, animals and rocks.

Based on content developed by Mary McCarthy, Careers Advisor, UCC Career Services. Sources: Frames of Mind: The theory of multiple intelligences and Intelligence Isn’t black and white: There are 8 different kinds. Howard Gardner.

INTRAPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE (SELF SMART)

If you are strong in intrapersonal intelligence, you will have a deep awareness of your own feelings, ideas and goals. Students with this intelligence usually prefer time alone to process and create.

MUSICAL INTELLIGENCE (MUSIC SMART)

If you are strong in musical intelligence, you will think, feel and process information primarily through sound. You have a superior ability to perceive, compose and/or perform music. Musically smart people constantly hear musical notes in their head.

VERBAL-LINGUISTIC INTELLIGENCE (WORD SMART)

If you are strong in verbal-linguistic intelligence, you will love words and will use them as a primary way of thinking and solving problems. You are a good writer or speaker and, oftentimes, you are both. You use words to persuade, argue, entertain and/or teach.