Beyond Classic
IQ Tests: Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Test
By Lyndsay Swinton
Want
to reach your potential? Then ditch the stifling notion of the classic
IQ test and embrace Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence test.
"We damage so many kids and so many lives by saying "you're thick.""
Tony
Buzan, British psychologist and originator of "mind-mapping"
Classic IQ tests involve a range of abstract questions designed to
show your language, spatial awareness and numerical ability. But to
consider your "intelligence" based on an IQ test alone is to ignore
a host of other mental abilities.
A low score on a classic IQ test result simply means you're less skilled
at the type of intelligence that particular test measures - whereas
you may score off the scale if other intelligences were being measured.
So, low IQ does not mean low intelligence, just a different intelligence.
Bring on Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence tests.
Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence theory defines 7 main intelligence
types;
- Linguistic - words and language
- Logical-Mathematical - logic and numbers
- Musical - music, rhythm and sound
- Bodily-Kinaesthetic - body movement and control
- Spatial-Visual - images and space
- Interpersonal - other people's feelings
- Intrapersonal - self awareness
Gardner recognises other intelligence types such as Moral or Naturalist,
however sticks to the main 7 as they are the easiest to define and
measure.
Genius Sports Stars
Many think sports stars are less intelligent. Not so, if you are using
Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence theory. English footballer
David Beckham is a genius, due his exceptional ability to compute
and execute the exact angles and forces required to score a goal from
a free-kick. Mere mortals cannot do this.
Why is this useful? Knowing your 3 main intelligence strengths can
guide you to the most appropriate job type and learning activities
that will help you achieve your potential.
Achieving Your Potential Using Your Multiple Intelligence Strengths
Step 1 - take a multiple intelligence test to uncover your
3 main intelligence strengths. Just do a Google search to find a multiple
intelligence test that suits.
Step 2 - review your current or aspirational job role against
your 3 main intelligence strengths. Typical job roles and intelligence
types are shown in the table in the section "Gardner's
multiple intelligences - detail" Is there a fit or are you way
off track? Now is the time to take steps to align how you spend your
working life with your intelligence strengths.
For example, the bored accountant with strong musical, interpersonal
and spatial - visual skills could move into the arts and reap the
benefit of their hard-earned experience in a field that more closely
suits their passions.
Step 3 - using the same table, consider learning activities
that utilise your 3 main multiple intelligence types. If you want
to build on a weaker intelligence, slot in some activities that will
make you work in a different way.
It is possible to learn and develop the same skills in different ways.
For example, children learning about Brownian Motion and the random
movement of particles could learn the same theory but use very different
means. Bodily - kinaesthetic children could physically act out the
movement of the particles and bump randomly into each other. Spatial
- visual children could create a colourful collage depicting how particles
move around. Utilising your preferred learning style makes learning
effortless and enjoyable.
Abandoning the notion low IQ equals no hope, opens the door to many
exciting possibilities. Embrace Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence
test theory and allow yourself to achieve your potential.
By
Lyndsay Swinton
Owner, Management for the Rest of Us
www.mftrou.com
Download
'Multiple Intelligence Test' in pdf format
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