The multiple intelligences theory was first proposed by Howard Gardner in 1983 in his world famous book “Frames of Mind”. This theory states that “each person has different ways of learning and different intelligences they use in their daily lives”.
A common misconception about the multiple intelligences theory is that it is synonymous with learning styles. In reality, multiple intelligence theory states that everyone has all nine intelligences of varying degrees.
Gardner claims that all human beings have multiple intelligences. These intelligences can be nurtured and strengthened or ignored and weakened by focusing on some intelligence while ignoring others.
Now, let us try to understand multiple intelligences theory and the careers related to each intelligence type.
1. Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence
This intelligence enables people to communicate through language. It is related to the capacity and ability to handle the mother tongue or other languages. Communication is very effective tool in managing different issues.
Skills
People having this skill have following qualities.
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Teaching
Careers
Students having this intelligence can be best in these careers.
- Librarian
- Curator
- Speech pathologist
- Politician
- Poets, journalist, writer
- Teacher
- Lawyer
- Translator
2- Mathematical-logical Intelligence
It is the ability to analyze situations and problems logically, to identify solution and to solve mathematical operations easily. This intelligence is related with critical thinking skills.
Skills
People having this intelligence are blessed with these following skills:
- Be good with numbers
- Have a good understanding of logical concepts
- Problem solving
- performing experiments
Careers
Students having this intelligence can be best in these careers.
- Auditor
- Accountant
- Scientist and mathematician
- Statistician and technician
- Computer analyst
3- Musical Intelligence
People with a strong musical intelligence easily learn to play any musical instrument because they can hear and repeat rhythm, patterns and pitch.
Skills
People having this intelligence are blessed with these following skills:
- Singing and playing instruments
- Composing music
- Having good rhythm
- Skilled at playing several instruments.
Careers
Students having this intelligence can be best in these careers.
- Musician
- Singers
- Music therapist
- Composers and directions
- DJ (disk jockey)
4- Spatial Intelligence
Spatial intelligence is one area in the multiple intelligences theory that deals with spatial judgment and the ability to visualize with the mind of eyes. It is a capacity to think in image and pictures to visualize accurately.
Skills
People having this intelligence are blessed with these following skills:
- Puzzle building
- Painting
- Constructing
- Designing objects
Careers
Students having this intelligence can be best in these careers.
- Artist and architect
- Mechanic and Engineer
- Air traffic controller
- Inventor
- Driver and editor
5- Bodily – Kinesthetic Intelligence
It is also known as the physical leaning style. Bodily Kinesthetic intelligence refers to a person’s ability to process or control things through hand and body movement in a skill full manner.
Skills
People having this intelligence are blessed with these following skills:
- Dancing
- Sports man
- Creating things with his/her hands
- Acting
Careers
Students having this intelligence can be best in these careers.
- Athlete
- PE teacher
- Dancers
- Actors
- Fire fighters
6-Interpersonal Intelligence
Interpersonal intelligence is one of the most important intelligences in multiple intelligences theory that describes the capacity of dealing with other people. It is also related with social life.
Skills
People having this intelligence are blessed with these following skills:
- Work well with others
- Good problem solving skills
- Skilled verbal and non-verbal communicators
- Co-Operating and counseling
Careers (Multiple Intelligences Theory)
Students having this intelligence can be best in these careers.
- Psychologist
- Counselor or coach
- Business or sales-person
- Politician
- Motivational speaker
7- Intra-Personal Intelligence
Intrapersonal intelligence refers to our ability to understand our innermost feelings. People with intrapersonal intelligence, are highly motivated and confident. They are also able to know their strengths and weaknesses.
Skills
People having this intelligence are blessed with these following skills:
- Analytical thinking
- Strategic thinking
- Aware of inner thinking
- Delegation and productivity
Career
Students having this intelligence can be best in these careers.
- Psychologist
- psychology teacher
- Therapist
- Counselor
- Program planner
8-Naturalist Intelligence
In multiple intelligences, naturalist intelligence refers to a person’s interest in the natural world of animals and other objects in nature.
Skills
People having this intelligence are blessed with these following skills:
- Recognize one’s connection with nature
- Apply science theory to life
- Observation and pattern recognition
- Critical thinking
Careers
Following careers can be suitable for people having this intelligence type.
- Scientist
- Naturalists
- Landscape
- Architect
- Botanist, zoologist, geologist and Astronomer
9- Existential Intelligence (Multiple Intelligences Theory)
Existential intelligence refers to deep sensitivity and people’s ability to handle deep questions such as meaning of life, why we die and how we got here. In multiple intelligences theory of Gardener, it is one of the most complex types.
Skills
People having this intelligence are blessed with these following skills:
- Deep thinking
- Journal writing
- Pondering the meaning of life
- Design abstract theories
Careers
Students having this intelligence can be best in these careers.
- Philosopher
- Public speaker
- Theologian
- Scientist
- Meditation instructor
