Learning Intelligence

The standard IQ test is performed constantly, even though many in the training world believe it is lacking in true measure of an individuals ability to learn. It focuses heavily on linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences. As a result most of the learning throughout our lives aims at these intelligences. People with other intelligences can have trouble relating this information to what they already know.

Modern research points to many levels and types of intelligences that govern how we think and learn. The results are gaining favor throughout the learning world. Howard Gardner, author of Multiple Intelligences, is one researcher and believer. He proposes that the IQ test mentality needs replacing because it only addresses two (2) of the seven (7) existing intelligences. These intelligences are closely linked to talents and are generally expressed as such.

These seven (7) intelligences exist within most people that act together with one as a dominant. In rare cases, one prevails to the exclusion of the others.

Gardner's Seven Intelligences:

1. Linguistic intelligence: displays talent with language and is one of the intelligences the standard IQ test measures (poets)

2. Logical-mathematical intelligence: displays the ability to think logically in nonverbal forms, and is one of the intelligences the standard IQ test measures (scientists, mathematicians)

3. Spatial intelligence: ability to visualize the unseen such as an object from an unseen angle or using the stars to navigate a ship (the blind, sailors, sculptors. surgeons, chess players, and painters)

4. Musical intelligence: ability to express through music (composers)

5. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: talented in using one's whole body or parts of the body (dancers, athletes, surgeons, and craftspeople)

6. Interpersonal intelligence: ability to notice the moods, temperaments, motivations, and intentions of others (religious and political leaders, teachers, therapists, and parents)

7. Intrapersonal intelligence: able to self-evaluate and use the information to guide one's own behaviors (personal story tellers)

Since we learn by associating new information with existing information, and if we categorize existing information in ways that are not linguistic or logical-mathematical, then we will not make the best use of the new information if it is solely geared to those intelligences. Tests to determine a person's type of intelligence are emerging. Future instructional design will need to accommodate these intelligences.

To learn more, read Multiple Intelligences: A Theory in Practice, by Howard Gardner. The book is available from most booksellers.