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IN FOCUS: ARTICLE |
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Eight Ways to Feel Smarter
by Jon Platner, 05.27.03
"People assume I'm just a dumb jock, but lacrosse uses more skills than they realize." |
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So you can't figure out how to solve for "x" in algebra. Or maybe it's Shakespeare that's stressing you out. Problems with schoolwork make many people wish they were more intelligent, but a lot of us are smarter than we think!
According to Howard Gardner, an educational psychologist and author of Frames of Mind, there are eight types of intelligence. Being good with numbers and language can help us ace the SATs and bring home A's — but according to Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, there are other types of smarts that are just as valuable, even though they often get overlooked in school. So don't get down on yourself if you're having a hard time mastering geometry — chances are, you've got other skills up your sleeve!
#1: Movement
"A lot of people assume I'm just a dumb jock," says Kenny, an avid lacrosse player. "But playing a sport uses more skills than they realize." Kenny displays "bodily-kinesthetic intelligence" — he's good with coordination, balance, flexibility, and speed. Surgeons, dancers, and craftspeople are also people who display this type of intelligence.
#2: Space
Frank Gehry made a name for himself designing beautiful buildings, like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, built in 1997. Today, he's considered one of the world's greatest architects, and he owes much to his keen "spatial intelligence." People with spatial intelligence have a good eye for visual information — if you're always turning to the graphs and charts in textbooks, you might be one of them.
Tito loves to tell stories with rich descriptions of people and places. After moving to the U.S. from Guatemala at age 13, he was quick to pick up English. Like many famous poets and writers, Tito displays "linguistic intelligence" — he communicates well and makes sense of the world through language. Linguistic intelligence is often recognized in schools — the kid who's actually able to understand Chaucer is a good example.
#4: Sounds
People who create, communicate, and make meaning with sounds are people with "musical intelligence." Celebrities like Avril Lavigne and Eminem are musically intelligent, but you don't have to become the next winner on American Idol to be a member of this group. Good listeners and critics of music can also have musical intelligence, even if they sing more like Kermit the Frog than Ruben Studdard.
#5: Logic
For many of us, math is one big headache. But for others, the world of equations, statistics, and logical patterns makes complete sense. "Logical-mathematical intelligence," like linguistic intelligence, is often recognized in schools. Scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers all depend on skills learned using this intelligence.
#6: People
When it comes to solving problems between people, Maria is a pro. "I'm good at cooling fights between my friends," she says, "and I'm always able to convince teachers to give me more time on assignments." People like Maria have "interpersonal intelligence," and are good at reading other people's feelings and intentions. Successful teachers, psychologists, and salespeople all display interpersonal intelligence.
#7: Self
Some people have "intrapersonal intelligence," which means they are strongly aware of their own feelings. They have an honest and accurate picture of themselves, tend to have healthy self-esteem, and practice self-discipline. Some writers and counselors who can use their own experiences to guide others are examples of people with intrapersonal intelligence. Are you good at making commitments to yourself and following through? Who knows — you might be an intrapersonal genius!
#8: Nature
Someone who could name and describe the features of every car they see on the street is an example of someone with "naturalist intelligence" — the newest addition to Gardner's theory. In the professional world, farmers, gardeners, botanists, and archaeologists use their naturalist intelligence to classify features of the environment and cultural artifacts.
Of course, people can possess more than one of these intelligences. Some people identify with one in particular, and other people identify with many.
Remember ...
There's more to intelligence than what's currently measured in schools and on standardized tests. Many educators are even trying to change their teaching styles to address theories like Gardner's.
School is definitely important, but no one should feel stupid for having to work harder than others to get good grades. So the next time you feel discouraged with academics, think of these famous words:
"I never let schooling interfere with my education."
Who said it? Mark Twain — a writer who is considered to be one of the sharpest minds in American history! |
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