The concept of intelligence isn’t confined to just one facet of “being smart.” Howard Gardner, a Harvard psychologist and professor, believed that the traditional concept of intelligence is far too narrow and limited. Further, IQ tests often miss out on other facets of being smart that one may have. Instead, his theory says that people can possess 8 multiple intelligences. These go beyond the usual aptitudes in math or languages.
With that, how do multiple intelligences influence teaching and learning? In this day and age, more and more know the value of soft skills and even other skills and abilities a student can have. In fact, educators use this to help them assess their students’ learning styles while accepting the fact that students have various abilities.
Now, being able to see a glimpse of yourself as a student and knowing the levels of your intelligence will help you make wiser steps on choosing the best senior high school (SHS) strand or track for you. Read on for the main strengths, traits, and best course and career options suited for each type.
Gardner’s 8 Multiple Intelligences
This theory supports the fact that a one-size-fits-all approach to learning may leave some students behind. This is why educators use the approach of multiple intelligences in the classroom for the benefit of both teachers and students.
Now, what are the 8 multiple intelligences? Check out this list and reflect on each type to see how it relates to you.
1. Intrapersonal (“self smart”)
People who are “self smart” tend to be more aware of their own emotions and feelings. They also tend to enjoy self-analysis and even daydreaming.
Strengths: Introspection and self-reflection
Some of their characteristics are:
- Good at assessing own traits as well as theories and ideas
- Excellent self-awareness
- Strong grasp on their own emotions and feelings
Ideal for these SHS strands:
- Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand
Best for aspiring:
- philosophers
- writers
- novelists
- theorists
- scientists
2. Logical (“reasoning or number smart”)
People who know the connection between cause and effect toward concrete outcomes or results are inclined to this type. They can easily solve puzzles and think conceptually about numbers, relationships, and patterns.
Strengths: Analyzing problems and mathematical operations
Some of their characteristics are:
- Enjoys thinking about abstract ideas
- Fond of problem-solving
- Likes doing scientific experiments
Ideal for these SHS strands:
- STEM strand
- Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT) strand
Best for aspiring:
- mathematicians
- scientists
- engineers
- accountants
- IT professionals
- researchers
- traders
3. Musical (“music smart”)
Those who are music smart tend to easily relate sound and feeling. They can recognize pitch, rhythm, melody, timbre, and tone with ease. Also, they are able to think in patterns, rhythms, and sounds while having a strong appreciation for music.
Strengths: Rhythm and music
Some of their characteristics are:
- Talent in singing and playing musical instruments
- Good at remembering songs and melodies
- Rich knowledge of musical structures, rhythm, and notes
Ideal for these SHS tracks and courses:
- Arts and design track
- Performing arts
- Fine arts
Best for aspiring:
- composers
- vocalists
- musicians
- music teachers
- disc jockeys or DJs
- voice coaches
4. Naturalist (“nature smart”)
People who are more in tune with nature and are often interested in nurturing, exploring the environment, and learning about other species are called “nature smart”. They tend to be highly aware of even the most subtle changes to their surroundings. Further, these people are more inclined to being empathetic towards living things, spending more time outdoors immersing with nature.
Strengths: Finding patterns and relationships related to nature
Some of their characteristics are:
- Interested in subjects such as botany, biology, and zoology
- May enjoy camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors
- May not enjoy topics that don’t relate to nature
Ideal for:
- STEM strand
- Technical Vocational Livelihood (TVL) track
- Agri-Fishery arts
Best for aspiring:
- botanists
- florists
- biologists
- gardeners
- farmers
5. Visual (“picture smart”)
Are you good with directions? How about maps, charts, videos, and pictures? Then you may be picture smart! People under this type have enhanced visual skills of mental imagery and active imagination.
Strengths: Visual and spatial judgment
Some of their characteristics are:
- Talent in drawing, painting, and the visual arts
- Good at making sense of pictures, graphs, and charts
- Good at putting puzzles together
Ideal for these SHS strands:
- HUMSS strand
- STEM strand
Best for aspiring:
- painters
- graphic designers
- architects
- artists
- engineers
- photographers
- visual artists
- inventors
6. Linguistic (“word smart”)
Know people who are able to use words well both in writing and speaking? They can interpret and explain ideas and information through language with ease. Also, these people tend to be very good at writing stories, memorizing, and reading. With their love of language, these people are highly articulate and love to share well-written essays.
Strengths: Words, language, and writing
Some of their characteristics are:
- Remembers written and spoken information easily
- Enjoys reading and writing
- Good at debates or giving persuasive speeches
- Able to explain things well
- Often uses humor when telling stories
Ideal for:
- HUMSS strand
- Fine arts
Best for aspiring:
- linguists
- poets
- writers
- public speakers
- journalists
- lawyers
- teachers and professors
- trainers
- editors
- historians
- VO artists
- TV and radio hosts
7. Bodily-Kinesthetic (“body smart”)
Those who are good at body movement, performing actions, and even physical control are called “body smart”. They possess various physical skills, great hand-eye coordination, and a good sense of timing.
Strengths: Physical movement, motor control
Some of their characteristics are:
- Likes dancing and sports
- Enjoys creating things by hand
- Tends to remember by doing, rather than hearing or seeing
Ideal for:
- Performing arts
- STEM strand
Best for aspiring:
- dancers
- builders
- actors
- athletes
- nurses
- PE teachers
8. Interpersonal (“people smart”)
Do you have a favorite public speaker? How about a teacher, professor, coach, or mentor? Do you wonder how they’re good at their jobs?
These people easily understand and assess the emotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those around them. They are social and can easily adapt to any situation because they’re inclined to dealing with people. Also, they can consider multiple perspectives and can be sensitive to other people’s moods.
Strengths: Understanding and relating to others
Some of their characteristics are:
- Can be good at verbal and non-verbal communication
- Sees situations from different POVs
- Creates positive relationships with others
- Can mediate group conflicts
Ideal for:
- HUMSS strand
- STEM strand
- Fine arts
- Multimedia arts
Best for aspiring:
- teachers
- actors
- leaders
- politicians
- counselors
- salespeople
- HR and advertising professionals
- trainers
- coaches and mentors
Now, where do you fit in? Take this multiple intelligences test to find out!
Further, we must note that one’s learning styles don’t have to relate to one’s strongest area of intelligence. Instead, we must note that everyone may have all the eight types of intelligence at varying levels. Lastly, we must keep in mind that these human abilities tend to complement each other and can’t be applied alone.
With that, you must assess your own abilities to know which of these 8 types best suit you to help you make wiser education and career choices.
Discover Your Potential with CIIT Philippines
For a more rewarding learning experience, you must take steps to know who you are and what you can do as an individual. Knowing the fact that we vary on the things we’re good and smart at is one small yet vital step in choosing which path you should take.
At CIIT Philippines, we value the unique nature of each of our students. This helps us assess and apply what’s best for them to learn more and bring out the best in them. This is how we make sure our top programs and courses help equip our students with the quality education they need for their careers, goals, and dreams. Sound good? Join us now!
Contact us to know more about our CIIT senior high school programs, bachelor’s degree courses, and our CIIT tuition fees. You may also visit CIIT Alabang or CIIT Kamuning for more queries!
Related Articles:
5 Soft Skills Students Must Learn to Succeed in Life
How to Survive High School Life Based on Different Types of Learning Styles
Sources: Edukasyon.PH | Verywell Mind | Personality Max
