Multiple Intelligences

Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner’s Frames of Mind, first published in 1983 (and updated in 2011), introduced the idea of multiple intelligences. Instead of viewing intelligence as a single measure - like a traditional IQ score - Gardner argued that people have different kinds of strengths and abilities. In other words, what he calls “intelligences” are really different competencies or talents.


Some people naturally recognize their strengths and build on them. Others need support and reflection to discover where their true abilities lie. At SIC, exploring and understanding these different intelligences is central to our philosophy. It helps students develop self-awareness, build confidence, and shape an authentic narrative about who they are and how they want to move forward.

1. Visual-Spatial (“picture smart”) 

  • Likes to draw, build, design/create, daydream, look at pictures/slides, watch movies, technology
  • Is good at visual arts, imagining, sensing changes, mazes/puzzles, reading maps and charts 
  • Learns best by working with images (pictures and colors), spatial organization (mind mapping), visualizing, imaging, drawing

2. Bodily-Kinesthetic (“body smart”)

  • Likes physical activity, touch, and talk: uses body language
  • Is good at sports, dance, acting, hands-on projects 
  • Learns best by processing knowledge through bodily sensations, movement, touch, hands-on, creative dramatics, dance 

3. Musical (“music smart”) 

  • Likes to sing, hum, tap, listen to music, play an instrument, respond to music
  • Is good at picking up sounds, remembering melodies, noticing pitches/rhythms, keeping time
  • Learns best by rhythm, melody, patterned sound, songs, rap, spoken word

4. Verbal-Linguistic (“word smart”)

  • Likes to talk, read, write, tell stories 
  • Is good at writing and communication, memorizing (names, places, dates, trivia)


5. Logical-Mathematical (“number/reasoning smart”)

  • Likes to conduct experiments, figure things out, work with numbers, ask questions
  • Is good at math, science, reasoning, logic, problem-solving 
  • Learns best by working with numbers, exploring abstract patterns/relationships, classifying, categorizing 

6. Interpersonal (“people smart”) 

  • Likes to have lots of friends, talk to people, join groups 
  • Is good at understanding people, leading others, organizing, communicating, mediating conflicts
  • Learns best by sharing, comparing, relating, cooperating, interviewing, teaching

7. Intrapersonal (“self smart”)

  • Likes to conduct experiments, figure things out, work with numbers, ask questions
  • Is good at math, science, reasoning, logic, problem-solving 
  • Learns best by working with numbers, exploring abstract patterns/relationships, classifying, categorizing 

8. Naturalistic (“nature smart”)

  • Likes conservation, outdoor activities, wilderness, animals, exploring natural surroundings 
  • Is sensitive toward nature and the world; feels renewed by natural, outdoor settings
  • Learns best by observing, classifying, labeling, categorizing information, and recognizing patterns 

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence (EQ), which became widely known after David Goleman’s 1995 book Emotional Intelligence, is essentially the ability to recognize and understand emotions - both your own and other people’s - and use that awareness to navigate relationships and make thoughtful decisions. At SIC, we see EQ as an important tool in helping students engage in meaningful self-discovery. Ultimately, we believe that strengthening a student’s EQ builds resilience, helps them manage life’s pressures more effectively, and reduces the risk of burnout.


Below are the competencies and skills that Goleman posited as key to working well with others.



Self-Awareness

  • Recognize one’s emotions and their effects 
  • Welcome candid feedback
  • Develop new perspectives

Self-Regulation

Manage disruptive emotions and impulses 

Maintain standards of honesty and integrity

Build trust through reliability and authenticity 

Self-Motivation

  • Strive to improve or meet a standard of excellence 
  • Seek information to reduce uncertainty 
  • Pursue goals despite obstacles and setbacks 

Social Competence 

  • Listen well and seek mutual understanding 
  • Foster open communication 
  • Orchestrate win-win solutions 

Empathy

  • Show sensitivity and understand others’ perspectives
  • Take an active interest in other’s concerns
  • Communicate acceptance