Do you recognize a combination of these intelligence types as your own? If so, it's probably time to make some changes in the way you study.
If you’re like most people, at the end of the day, you don’t say, “I can’t wait to crack open my textbook and study for 3 hours.” Does that mean you aren’t intelligent? After all, intelligent people like to study, right?
Of course, you know that’s not necessarily true.
In 1983, a psychologist named Howard Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences. He realized that the IQ tests given to many American students only took into account what was on paper. Gardner spoke about children in other cultures who learn complex ideas and skills and show marked capabilities, such as a young teen who can captain his own sailing vessel or a child who is able to counsel others about perplexing religious laws. He knew that these were also valid examples of intelligence, so he laid out multiple types of intelligences, noting that people often developed a combination of more than one.
Take a look at Gardner’s multiple intelligences and see which combination you recognize in yourself! You might find that adjusting your study methods will help you to learn more effectively—while spending less time and stress doing it.
Those with linguistic, or verbal, intelligence manifest a mastery of language. If you have linguistic intelligence, you enjoy reading and writing and may find yourself highly attuned to proper grammar and vocabulary. You are probably good at telling jokes and stories.
As a student, you’ll find it easier to memorize written information. Flashcards are useful tools. For many years, the public education system has been geared toward those with linguistic intelligence.
Reasoning with logic and deduction, detecting patterns, and solving mathematical problems come naturally to those with mathematical intelligence. If you possess this type of intelligence, you probably enjoyed sorting objects and creating patterns with your toys when you were young.
As students, those with mathematical intelligence tend to excel because they can keep up with complicated lines of logic and anticipate the logical sequence behind the educator’s line of teaching. Try making lists of important points from your reading and notes when you’re studying, so you can more easily see patterns and organize your thoughts about the material.
Those with musical intelligence have an aptitude and appreciation for tone, rhythm, and timbre in music. If you identify with this intelligence type, you probably have heard about the time your parents first became aware of your talents. Maybe you were singing, recognizing melodies, or pounding out an accurate rhythm. You can likely read music and offer appropriate criticism of musical performances.
As a student, you may find it challenging to memorize information for tests. Try putting your notes to a melody or rhythm. You may be surprised at how much easier it is to learn that way.
Spatial intelligence is often connected to how a person relates visually, but those who are blind can also have a highly developed sense of spatial intelligence. If you possess spatial intelligence, you can visualize an object from different angles and re-create its spatial relationship without actually seeing it. If this sounds familiar to you, you probably excel at art. Painting, sculpting, and visualization come naturally to those with spatial intelligence.
In the classroom, you probably find spoken lectures painfully boring but appreciate overheads, diagrams, and videos. A great tip is to use pictures or photographs to study or even draw out your ideas. This will enhance your ability to memorize information.
Those with kinesthetic intelligence excel in the ability to use their bodies. Timing, strength, balance, and control are all aspects of this intelligence type. If you have kinesthetic intelligence, you have good motor skills, whether fine or gross. Talents for those with this intelligence type can range anywhere from beautiful handwriting or artistry to athletics and dance.
If you have kinesthetic intelligence, sitting still in a classroom or while studying can be a real challenge. When you study for a test, try using a repetitive physical movement to reinforce mental ideas or squeeze a stress ball to keep your mind focused.
If you excel in interpersonal intelligence, you understand and can distinguish between the moods, feelings, and motives of other people. Those with interpersonal intelligence have insightful relationships. Social workers, actors, and psychologists often have a developed sense of interpersonal intelligence.
As a student, you may have an easier time remembering information if you study with other people, so consider forming or joining a study group.
This type shares characteristics of interpersonal intelligence but is attuned to the workings of the inner self. Those with intrapersonal intelligence are often imaginative, disciplined, and motivated. Many have gone on to become successful leaders, teachers, and politicians.
If you have intrapersonal intelligence, you are able to work alone, but keep in mind that it can be stimulating and helpful to study with others.
A newly recognized intelligence type, naturalists are attuned to the environment and have an innate ability to understand signs in nature. Are you skilled at recognizing and classifying plants, animals, and minerals? Do you have a good understanding of how the aspects of our environment intertwine? Then you probably have developed naturalistic intelligence.
As a student, you will no doubt benefit from the grounding effect of studying outdoors, so take those books outside and get inspired.
Do you recognize a combination of these intelligence types as your own? If so, it’s probably time to make some changes in the way you study. Most importantly, know that linguistic and mathematical intelligence are not the only types that matter! You may well be on your way to becoming an artist, passionate conservationist, or caring social worker.
Know your own intelligence type and be proud of it!
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