Embracing multiple intelligences for true growth

Gardner proposed that intelligence isn’t a single dimension but a collection of distinct capacities, each representing different ways people learn, think and express themselves. The seven core intelligences are:

• Linguistic Intelligence, which involves mastery of language — speaking, writing, storytelling, and understanding words and meanings.
• Logical–mathematical Intelligence, the ability to reason, recognise patterns, work with numbers and abstract concepts, and solve problems logically.
• Spatial Intelligence, the capacity to visualise the world, think in images and pictures, understand spatial relationships, maps, charts, and designs.
• Bodily-kinesthetic Intelligence, which enables a person to coordinate body movements skillfully, use hands and body to express ideas or solve problems, as seen in dancers, athletes, and craftspeople.
• Musical Intelligence, sensitivity to rhythm, tone, pitch, melody;      the ability to appreciate, produce or compose music, sounds, or rhythm-based patterns.
• Interpersonal Intelligence, the ability to understand and interact effectively with others; to sense moods, motivations, intentions, work cooperatively and communicate well.
• Intrapersonal Intelligence, self-awareness; the capacity to understand one’s emotions, motivations, strengths and weaknesses, and to use that insight to guide one’s life.

Traditional education often values only linguistic or logical-mathematical intelligence (reading/writing, math, logic), but Gardner’s theory expands the understanding of “being smart.”

 A child strong in linguistic intelligence may enjoy writing stories, reading, debates or languages; could become a writer, speaker, or journalist.

• Someone with logical–mathematical intelligence may excel in math, puzzles, coding, science, careers in engineering, analytics, and research.
• Spatial intelligence shows up in artists, architects, pilots, graphic designers, engineers, or anyone who works with maps, diagrams, or visuals.
• Bodily–kinesthetic intelligence shines in athletes, dancers, surgeons, craftsmen, and actors; contexts requiring coordination, physical skill, and hands-on work.
• Musical intelligence manifests in musicians, singers, composers, sound engineers, or simply in people who easily pick up tunes, rhythms, and patterns in sound.
• Interpersonal intelligence thrives in leaders, teachers, counsellors, social workers; people who understand others, communicate, and collaborate.
• Intrapersonal intelligence helps individuals reflect, set personal goals, self-direct, and make wise decisions; suitable for writers, philosophers, and psychologists.

According to Ms Namita Vinayak Mer, School Counsellor at Apeejay School, Nerul, “Schools and teachers can adopt a multiple-path approach to teaching and assessment: instead of relying solely on lectures and exams, they can incorporate storytelling, visuals, music, movement, group work, self-reflection, tapping different intelligences for different students.”

The educator gave examples.

• Use art, models and diagrams for spatial learners.
• Incorporate drama, role-plays or group discussion for interpersonal learners.
• Let bodily-kinesthetic learners use hands-on activities, experiments or physical movement.
• Offer journaling, self-reflection or goal-setting for intrapersonal learners.
• Include music, rhythm or song for musical learners.

“By giving children multiple ways to learn and express themselves, schools help each child grow not just academically, but socially, emotionally, creatively and physically — nurturing well-rounded individuals,” Ms Mer concluded.