Facets of Intelligence

The speed, accuracy or creativity of a mind can have jaw-dropping effects regardless of the arena in which it manifests.

There are many types of intelligence and each type does not automatically translate to across-the-board brilliance. Recognizing the diversity of intelligences fosters a more holistic understanding of oneself and others. This is indispensable when helping a young person shape a healthy self-perception and develop reliable strategies for learning.   With such a prismatic variety of ways minds are wired with aptitude, the more accurate and comprehensive the depiction of intelligence is, the less likely valuable intellectual skills and resources will be dismissed or overlooked.  New methods of utilizing gifts and compensating for challenges are more naturally facilitated when the diversity of intelligences is considered.

“Book smart” and “street smart” are old-school labels denoting a long-standing acknowledgement that intelligence has more than one form. Intelligence, in general, is an awareness and ability to learn, understand, deal with new situations, discern, think abstractly and manipulate one’s environment.  The degree of intelligence is often measured similar to sports analyses, only on an intellectual field instead: speed (of processing), agility (working memory), control (meta-cognitive processes), field awareness and decision-making (executive functions) and accuracy (problem solved).  General intelligence is often referred to as the “g” factor and has traditionally been measured using narrow parameters (predominantly linguistic, logical and mathematical faculties, which lend themselves well to precision testing). 

The Theory of Multiple intelligences as first posed by Howard Gardner in 1983, differentiates types of intelligences by the involvement of specific areas of the brain, a functionality with distinct developmental progression and core operations.  There is the potential for isolation of these intelligences by brain injury, and there are savants and prodigies demonstrating these distinct intelligences.  More criteria are involved, but that is the basic idea.  The currently identified intelligences are:

Linguistic Intelligence:   Typically good at reading, writing, telling stories, broadening their lexicon and learning new languages, those with linguistic intelligence can articulate and comprehend written and spoken words with greater speed and ease than the average person. This verbal ability is one of the most test savvy, and therefore g-loaded abilities.

Musical Intelligence:   With sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, meter, tone, melody and timbre, people who excel in musical intelligence will understand musical constructs more intuitively and are likely to gravitate towards playing instruments, singing, composing music and appreciating music at a deeper level than most.  Even acoustic engineering and auditory effects may be blaringly noticeable to them.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence:   The ability to analyze logically, investigate scientifically, execute mathematical operations and understand underlying principles of systems, makes those with logical-mathematical intelligence excellent at employing objective reasoning and solving abstract problems.

Visual-Spatial Intelligence:   With acute spatial judgment and a keen ability to visualize objects from different angles with the mind’s eye, this intelligence is not limited to those with sight.   Blind people can demonstrate this same intelligence.  It is actually a computational capacity of spatial orientation, navigation and problem solving.

Naturalist Intelligence:   Exhibiting an ability to recognize, categorize and draw upon patterns, interconnections and phenomena in the natural world, those with naturalist intelligence have a heightened sensitivity to holistic and ethical complexities involving the natural world and humanity’s role in the ecosphere. Their curiosity and appreciation for nature enables them to excel at nurturing or healing plants and animals, survival sports, and fostering ecological systems (like desert reclamation or sustainable farming innovations).

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence:   The body control, capacity to handle objects skillfully, sense of timing and response training more easily attained by those with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence better suits them for sports, acting, combat, dance and craftsmanship. Equipment can become like an extension of the body with such coordination, balance, dexterity and finesse. 

Interpersonal Intelligence:   Those with highly developed interpersonal intelligence have a keen awareness of others’ moods, temperaments, intentions, motivations and feelings, facilitating more effective communication and teamwork regardless of position (lead or follow).  They can navigate complex social situations and their ability to empathize can draw people in.

Intrapersonal Intelligence:   Having a deep understanding of self, including, strengths, weaknesses, motivations, tendencies and personal cognizance, those with intrapersonal intelligence can use their introspective and self-reflective capacities to effectively regulate their life.  Frequently analyzing and refining their objectives, emotional responses and the results of their interactions with others, makes them well suited to be entrepreneurs, therapists and clergy.

The types of intelligence a child is inclined to exhibit can lead to short-cuts in learning or finding a variety of careers they would thrive in. If there is something they have a proclivity to understand, relating more difficult concepts to their interests and strengths can quickly clarify those concepts and make them more memorable as well. Finding new skills, fields of study or future careers that intersect with their interests and curiosity can vastly broaden their opportunities and motivation when they exercise the child’s stronger intelligences.

Intelligence, like health and wealth, is not evenly distributed, but all three can be significantly impacted by what we do with what we have. Genetics affect a person’s starting point, but nutritional resources and stimulation also play a significant role in the development of intelligence - an exponentially greater role the younger a person is.

Although there are very real limitations we all face, due to the neuroplasticity of the brain (its ability to grow and even restructure itself), the more a brain is actively learning, creating and training, the more able it becomes.  The saying “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” holds true for intelligence as well. We have all met those who squander their mental resources, as well as those salt-of-the-earth people who make a good life with little more than common sense and moral fortitude. Intelligence is not a determinate for quality of life, but it can certainly enhance quality of life for oneself and others if well wielded.

A little insight goes a long way. Supporting our youth with the external feedback about intelligences demonstrated in their work or interactions can be pivotal as they forge a perspective of themselves, their capabilities, and what the world may hold for them. What a privilege to be a part of that process and to see them light up! Since homeschooling encompasses personal and academic life, it gives parents more contexts and points of interaction to observe and stoke a child's intelligences.

The world benefits with the discovery of each individual’s raw aptitudes and the conscientious development of them.

Using Gardner’s research into the interesting ways intelligences can manifest and the types of pursuits each intelligence naturally thrives in, can be profoundly useful to homeschoolers.

-S. E. Bocker

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