IQ Testing Today
There are several cognitive ability tests used today in schools and in private educational professionals’ offices. In general, these tests measure the child’s mathematical and verbal, and sometimes perceptual abilities. However, with the Multiple Intelligence Theory that indicates that children can be intelligent in ways other than can be measured on IQ tests, schools are exploring new ways keep up with the eight different kinds of giftedness. The first step is understanding the intelligences.
A List and Brief Description of the Multiple Intelligences
- Linguistic Intelligence. Written or spoken words are this child’s strength. These children like to read, talk, and write stories, and like to learn by verbal memory, hearing and reading.
- Logical-Mathematical Intelligence. Logic and numbers are this child’s strength. These children like to decipher problems, do science experiments, play complicated games such as chess, and like to learn by probing and problem solving.
- Spatial Intelligence. Vision and thinking through issues are this child’s strength. These children like to draw and paint and design and do puzzles, and like to learn by thinking things through, visual memory, engineering and wondering.
- Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence. Acting, doing and moving are this child’s strength. These children like to make things and enjoy sports and dancing and acting. They like to learn through the movements of their body and doing things with their highly developed fine and gross motor control. They are very hands-on learners.
- Naturalistic Intelligence. Working with living things such as plants and animals are this child’s strength. These children like to be outside growing things and being with nature. They like to learn through classifying things and recognizing their place in nature and interacting with the environment.
- Musical Intelligence. Making music and interpreting sounds are this child’s strength. These children like to sing, play instruments, and write songs. They like to learn through what they hear and often will create songs and tunes to help them memorize facts.
- Interpersonal Intelligence. Working and socializing with other people are this extroverted child’s strength. These children like to lead and support the work of groups in accomplishing tasks, and like to learn by communicating with others.
- Intrapersonal Intelligence. Trying to understand themselves and how they relate in their daily activities are how this child views the world. They like to learn by focusing on their own actions and feelings.
Having an appreciation for Multiple Intelligences helps parents and teachers understand that a child or student has not just one, but several different types of intelligences, and that some are more advanced than others.
Resources:
Kuther, Tara. Multiple Intelligence Theory. May 3, 2001. Suite101.com.
Parker, Douglas. Professional research.
