Intelligence Part 1

Intelligence Part One

IntelligenceHow do YOU define intelligence? With the person

sitting next to you, craft a short definition of “intelligence,” and write it down.

Trukese tribe members in the South Pacific Ocean can precisely navigate from island to island without a compass

or any other sailing tools. Is this intelligence?

Amy is charming and people are always happy to be with her. She is good at understanding other people, talking to other

people, and making new friends. Is this intelligence?

Members of the Detroit Pistons react quickly to events taking place around them. They coordinate their movements

well, and have muscle memory for certain physical skills. Is this intelligence?

It is clear that “intelligence” is a difficult concept to define. Today, we recognize that having

intelligence does not simply mean that you know lots of things.

Intelligence:The capacity to understand the world, think rationally, and use resources effectively when

faced with challenges.

Crystalized Intelligence: The accumulation of

information, skills, and strategies that are learned

through experience and that can be later applied in

different problem-solving situations. (This related to

the acquired prior knowledge that we store in long-term

memory.)

Fluid Intelligence: Information processing capability, reasoning, and

memory. If we are asked to memorize something, solve a problem, categorize items, or identify patterns, we are using fluid intelligence. (Fluid

intelligence does not require any prior

knowledge!)

Intelligence Theories

Intelligence TheoriesAs we age, crystalized

intelligence continues to increase. Fluid intelligence, however, begins to decline

in early adulthood.

This theory was developed in

1963, and most IQ tests attempt to measure fluid and crystallized

intelligence.

Intelligence TheoriesIn 1983, Howard Gardener proposed his Theory of

Multiple Intelligences to explain the aptitudes humans have for things other than logic and problem-solving.

Humans show intelligence in

many ways, and the way we test for intelligence needs to consider this.

Multiple Intelligences Theory

Gardener’s theory states that there are at least

eight different kinds of

intelligence that are distinct from

one another.

We each possess ALL of these, but

in different amounts.

Multiple Intelligences Theory

Gardener’s theory states that there are at least

eight different kinds of

intelligence that are distinct from

one another.

We each possess ALL of these, but

in different amounts.

Logical/Mathematical Intelligence

Skills involving problem solving and logical or scientific

thinking. Logical reasoning is closely

linked to “fluid intelligence.” People with this intelligence may be good at math

problems, critical thinking, and reasoning.

Linguistic Intelligence

Skills involving the production and use of language. People with this intelligence are

good at reading comprehension,

writing, and memorizing written words. They may be good at speaking and

organizing information.

Musical Intelligence

Skills involving music. People with this intelligence have

sensitivity to sounds, tone, pitch, melody, harmony, meter, and rhythm. They may be

good at playing, singing, or

composing music.

Visual-Spatial Intelligence

Skills involving space and spacial configurations.

People with this intelligence are

good at envisioning things in their heads. They may be good

at art, design, architecture, or

navigation.

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

Skills involving control and use of the body. People

with this intelligence may be coordinated, or good at activities like sports, dance, acting, surgery, or

creating something by hand.

Naturalist Intelligence

Skills involving nurturing, or the ability to identify and classify

patterns in nature. People with this

intelligence might classifying natural forms (such as animals, plants, rocks, or geographical features). They may be

good farmers, botanists, chefs, hunters, etc.

Interpersonal Intelligence Skills involving

interactions with others and sensitivity

to others. People with this intelligence can easily understand how others are feeling

and relate to them. They communicate

effectively and empathetically with others.

Intrapersonal Intelligence

Skills involving knowledge of oneself and one’s own feelings and emotions. People with this intelligence know their strengths and weaknesses, what they want in life, and

what makes them unique. They may be

reflective and introspective.

“Your understanding of

your inner self holds the meaning

of your life.”- TOLSTOY

Other Types?Gardener believed there could be other types of intelligence beyond

the 8 he described. Here are two more that have been proposed:

Practical Intelligence:

Intelligence related to overall success in living. Knowing how to act in

different situations, when to act, and what actions will

produce the results that you want. (“Street Smarts.”)

Existential Intelligence:

Intelligence related to spirituality. Ability to think deeply about cosmic questions such as how did we get here, why do we die, and what is the purpose of human life?

The theory of MI translates into a focus on different student learning styles.

Howard Gardener