7 Different Types Of Intelligence (And How They Learn)
Accommodating various types of intelligences could result in improved learning. Learn about the most common intelligence types and the ways they learn.
Intelligence has been a popular topic for researchers for centuries but in the last 30 years we have learned that there may just be more to being intelligent than merely testing well. Professor. Howard Gardner, a neuroscientist at Harvard University, first coined the idea of Multiple Intelligences in 1983. The theory is in opposition to the widely-held belief that intelligence is assessed using short-answer tests that are standardized. He believed there could be multiple types of intelligence and that each person had their own distinctive blend of these types of intelligences.
Different types of intelligence can result in better learning results.
7 distinct kinds of intelligence (+ examples of how to teach them)
- Spatial
These learners like to conceptualize. They are aware of their environments and think through the lens of the space. They can learn the most from images, diagrams, and videos.
Example: Explain the various planets of the solar system by having students alter a scaled 3D model online.
- Bodily-kinesthetic
They are conscious of their bodies. They're extremely sensitive to the sensation of movement and touch as well as sensoriality. They learn best through physical practicing, by doing hands-on activities as well as role-playing.
Example: Learn choreography while having your students practice the steps from home.
- Music
The learners who are able to detect noises in their surroundings like timing, rhythm, or tones. They are most successful in learning using musical instrumentsand transforming their lessons into songs, or playing music during their studies.
Exemple: Teach the stages of cell division through asking students to create a song about the concept.
- Linguistic
These learners are sensitive to the semantics, tone and metre of the words. They love using words to convey complex meanings. They are most successful in learning through engaging in writing, reading, storytelling and abstract reasoning.
Examples: Explain what caused a specific brand to grow through having students debate the subject using community.
- Logical-mathematical
These learners have the capacity to see patterns between actions or symbols and use the inductive method to comprehend thinking processes. They can learn the most efficiently using formulas, equations, operation diagrams, and even thought maps.
Example: Show students the basics of international trade through having students create an Venn diagram that compares the exports and imports of Canada and the US as well as Canada.
- Interpersonal
They are able to be part of a team and exchange ideas with different people. They are often attuned to shifts in temperament, mood and feelings of others. They are most effective at learning through groups tasks.
Exemple: Instruct imagination by inviting your students to a Google Hangout and having them peer review each other's personal projects.
- Naturalistic
The students are aware of the world around them and observe various phenomena with a sense of fascination. They can identify and categorize the species, animals, plants and the physical world. The best way to learn is by experiencing things firsthand, making observations, as well as exposing their senses to nature.
Examples: Learn mathematics tessellations through showing students natural plant patterning.
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