If you were to come across an individual who had a 4.8 GPA and who
took honors and AP classes their whole high school career, you would likely
label them as “intelligent”. The question is, however, why do we assume this
individual is intelligent and don’t think the same about someone who weighs 175
pounds and can deadlift 505 pounds? The reason is, in labeling someone as
intelligent, most people only consider logical-mathematical intelligence
(critical or complex thinking), which is one of eight different types of
intelligence. The other seven forms are musical-rhythmic intelligence (superior
musical capabilities and sensitivity to sound), bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
(greater judgement of personal physical capabilities), interpersonal
intelligence (higher understanding of social interactions, other people, or
human behavior), intrapersonal intelligence (the familiarity of your own
personal capabilities and personal satisfaction), naturalistic intelligence
(knowledge of the natural world), and linguistic intelligence (the ability to
use words effectively). All humans possess combinations of these intelligences,
but the question still remains, why do we consider those who are logical,
mentally superior to those who are physically smart? This issue stems from the
fact that in school we are mostly trained in logical-mathematical intelligence
and linguistic intelligence. Although there are a variety of ways to develop
the six other forms of intelligence in school, most of them are not something
teachers promote, and the two previously mentioned forms of intelligence are
the primary focus. This is not necessarily a negative thing, but it has
culturally narrowed the definition of intelligence to pertain to
logical-mathematical and linguistic intelligence. According to Dr. Thomas
Armstrong, author of 7 Kinds of Smart: Identifying and Developing Your
Multiple Intelligences, the main reason why schools focus so heavily on
logical-mathematical and linguistic intelligence is because educational
administrators believe those are the only two types of intelligences that will
make students most fit for their future occupation and for the later stages of
their academic career. Clearly schools had the right intentions when focusing
their curriculum around the logical-mathematical and linguistic intelligences
but in doing so, they neglected the importance of the six other ones that
students can still use in order to have a successful life. Dr. Armstrong also
explains that another reason intelligence is misinterpreted is because schools
fail to recognize that success is personal to each individual. For example, if
a garbage truck driver has high intrapersonal intelligence and believes that
their job is the limit of their own capabilities, they may consider themself
successful while others would scoff at the way that person lives. Society has
created a misconception around intelligence in holding a higher regard for
those who demonstrate logical-mathematical and linguistic intelligence. One way
they do this is telling natural linguistic and mathematical thinkers that they
are destined for success. Fortunately this traditional and limited sense of
what defines intelligence is depleting amongst as, many of educators throughout
the world are beginning to integrate the other intelligences into their
classrooms which is slowly changing the definition of what it means to be
intelligent.
30 comments:
This was really interesting! I honestly had no idea that there was further definition to "intelligence" other than what society had taught me the word meant. I enjoyed reading this; nice job!
Paarth, I thoroughly enjoyed this piece. I did not know that there where so many forms of intelligence. I do agree that different forms of intelligence need to be found and cultivated by teachers, counselors and parents. Every person is so different. I appreciate the awareness you are bringing by sharing these different intelligences. I especially I agree with the idea that each person's definition of "success" and "successful" may vary by a little or a lot.
I really enjoy the choice of topic Paarth. The stigma presented by our society that logical based intelligence is the only route to success is awful and I agree that we should learn to accept others based on their gifts in intelligence. Your example with the garbage man highlights this issue perfectly showing how society can demean the way we look at others forms of success. I also enjoyed that you included works on the subject by other authors giving credibility to your subject and ideas presented. Overall I find your detailing of one of society's underlying issues fascinating read and a great contribution in an attempt to enlighten people to another way of thinking.
I totally agree with you on everything, especially how when one thinks they are successful, but society thinks not. It's most likely that today, people are expected to well in school to get careers that are above-average; which applies to the complex thinking of an individual. Great job on the use of your examples. Erick Gutierrez per. 4
This was a very interesting and enjoyable piece. I never thought of the different kinds of intelligence; I just thought if you're smart, you're smart and you can be successful in other areas on the side. This was eye-opening in the sense that different people are unique and intelligent in their own ways. Great job!
This was a very interesting and enjoyable piece. I never thought of the different kinds of intelligence; I just thought if you're smart, you're smart and you can be successful in other areas on the side. This was eye-opening in the sense that different people are unique and intelligent in their own ways. Great job!
While I am a little confused about the concept of physical intelligence (the closest type of intelligence that you mention being bodily-kinesthetic, although you say that it's simply one's sense of capability), I found your article-type piece very interesting. I certainly agree that schools heavily focus on the two intelligence types that you mention and they should broaden their scope. I would argue, however, that society does acknowledge the other types of intelligence, albeit as talent, not intelligence.
The example you gave of the garbage man was a very great example of your argument. I especially found it interesting your opinion on why schools limit intelligence to mathematics and linguistics. I'm sure this piece will definitely bring some light to the "lesser-known" forms of intelligence.
DeAndre Siringoringo P.4
I really found this article to be interesting. I never really thought about the other 6 forms of intelligence. Its very true that school only promotes mathematical and linguistic intelligence. Your argument is valid and something that most educators should read today.
DeANdre Siringoringo P.1
This literally blew my mind! I didn't know there were different forms of intelligence and I like how you broke down each one. I respect that you recognize the current school system's achievement and goals but challenge them to implement new ideas. Schools need to be more open to other forms of intelligence to ensure all students can be successful. All people do not learn the same.
-Joseph Madere Period 1
Paarth, I love this post! It incorporated many thoughts I already previously had, but to now know specific terms to describe my thought process really asserts my beliefs. I agree that there isn't one time of intelligence, usually coined as "book smart." I remember clearly I had a classmate in my math class who had flunked and was repeating the course. Typically, society wouldn't deem this person as "intelligent." However, when I got to know him, he had an incredible talent in painting lifelike images. This post helped give recognition to the other types of intelligence, and hopefully allows others to recognize them as well. Thank you!
Kayla Rangel
P.6
This was a very interesting piece! I kept re-reading it because I wanted to get every detail you wrote. I never really thought about the different types of intelligence and I am guilty of labeling others, but your piece brings awareness to this and is very well in informing the subject. Also, your use of evidence and examples really enables the readers to further understand this concept and relate to it.
What an interesting an eye-opening piece this was. It's very intriguing to know that there are many different types of intelligence. A lot of what you said is true though: schools, even though they might recognize other forms of achievement, only label students who are good at math/science as "intelligent." It makes me wonder when drastic change to our education system will come. Thanks for this thought-provoking piece, Paarth.
Great insight into your view on a very important aspect of social life. Enjoyed your analyzation of the different types of intellegence!
I feel like this really needed to be said. I've always been a believer that everyone is smart in their own kind of way. I've also always felt that schools only recognize a certain type of intelligence. Your post really put things into perspective. It brought to my attention the broader scope of the types of intelligence there are and has inspired me to look more into this subject. Excellent job on communicating your research in a very interesting and intriguing way.
Thank you for addressing something that so many people fail to realize today. We have been so brainwashed into believing there is only one type of "smart", because of the fact that logical-mathematical intelligence is the most widely recognized type among the public school system. This may cause others who are brilliant in the other untraditional forms of intelligence to feel discouraged, which is why your piece is so important. Really eye opening and a breath of fresh air, great job.
I thoroughly enjoyed this piece and I can agree with the details you placed within that there are indeed multiple forms of intelligence that are overlooked by the school system today. The way we base intellectual prowess is very narrow in the academic world currently and highlighting Dr. Armstrong's point of the eight intellects goes to show that there is a mindset we are missing when evaluating the ability of those around us.
I think you bring up some very good points. All my life I have also always thought, why is it that everyone seems to assume that students who receive good marks in school are extremely intelligent when you can introduce yourself to some of these folks and they are socially awkward or limited to a small selection of ideas and conversations. I also think that it's difficult for us as people to quantify intelligence and measure it and thus these problems come about.
The content within this piece is something everyone should read and know. Because as is stated there is so much focus on just logical and linguistic smarts that the rest don’t get as much recognizition for being what is commonly know as intelligent. Great work! Loved the subject.
The content within this piece is something everyone should read and know. Because as is stated there is so much focus on just logical and linguistic smarts that the rest don’t get as much recognizition for being what is commonly know as intelligent. Great work! Loved the subject.
This piece contained such good points. It makes sense that people can be intelligent in one area and other people can be intelligent in another. I remember I learned this in elementary school, so your piece reminded me of Dr. Armstrong's studies. Good job!
Wow! This is such an important topic to address because "intelligence" is too often labeled as being academic intelligence only. I like how you included evidence from credible sources and elaborated on the different kinds of intelligence one can possess because this not only supports your assertion but provides encouragement and reassurance for readers. Good job, truly insightful!
Awesome take on the idea of intelligence. I always try to tell people that I'm not smart just because of grades on a report card, that it takes a lot more to really be intelligent, and now I can show them this! Intelligence is way more than just trying hard in school, and I appreciate that you took the time to put into words what I've been trying to tell people for a long time.
Paarth, your blog was absolutely thought provoking! I think there does need to be a revaluation on the extent of intelligence especially in schooling. As kids progress through the education system to college to finally their future occupation they are going to realize that the linguistic/mathematical intelligence will not be the only types they will need. Great work!
Paarth I completely agree with the argument that you are making in this. You perfectly highlight a very important issue in today's society.
-Steve Martinez period 1
This was a brilliant topic to write about because there truly is a misconception. I commend you for this because it provides reassurance to those who believe that they aren't "smart enough" or "good enough" just because they don't have the type of intelligence they desire. This piece should be posted on social media because I know many struggle with insecurities due to their lack of "intelligence" when in reality, there are many different forms of intelligence that every human withholds. Everyone is special in their own way. :)
Definitely one of the more informative posts regarding intelligence. I have stumbled upon this topic before, but it's always nice to see varying interpretations of an original perspective. I do suggest you reread and search for missing commas (so as to not have it detract from the flow of your post), but overall there's nothing too major. Good job.
I never considered the meaning of intelligence or that there were in fact other types of intelligence. This piece is very informational and credible especially since you included an expert opinion and examples. Overall this is very well written. It makes me question how I myself can become truly more intelligent. You have convinced me to try and expand my own intelligence and analyze what I do know.
I am really in awe at the type of intelligences you broke down. I never realized how many forms intelligence can manifest in. I think you did a great job addressing this issue, and I think everyone should know that having above a 4.0 isn’t the only way you can be intelligent. Be your own self and be intelligent in the “you-est” way possible!
This was really interesting to read. I like how you broke up the types of intelligence there are and I like how you used sources to back up. What I took away from this is that a GPA doesn't isn't the only way you can be considered intelligent.
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