Type of intelligence | Possible characteristics | Possible learning strategies | Possible careers | Verbal/linguistic | * You prefer to write directions rather than draw maps. * You take excellent notes from textbooks and lectures. * You enjoy reading, telling stories, and listening to them. | * Highlight, underline, and write notes in your textbooks. * Recite new ideas in your own words. * Talk to other people often about what you’re studying. | | Mathematical/logical | * You enjoy solving puzzles. * You prefer math or science class over English class. * You want to know how and why things work. * You make careful, step-by-step plans. | * Analyze tasks so you can order them in a sequence of steps. * Group concepts into categories, and look for underlying patterns. * Convert text into tables, charts, and graphs. * Look for ways to quantify ideas—to express them in numerical terms. | Computer programmer, actuary, economist, math or science teacher | Visual/spatial | * You understand maps and illustrations more readily than text. * You assemble things from illustrated instructions. | * When taking notes, create concept maps, mind maps, and other visuals (see Chapter 5: Notes). * Code your notes by using different colors to highlight main topics, major points, and key details. * Before you try a new task, visualize yourself doing it well. | photographer, interior decorator, engineer, cartographer | Bodily/kinesthetic | * You enjoy physical exercise. * You tend not to sit still for long periods of time. * You enjoy working with your hands. | * Carry materials with you, and practice studying in several different locations. * Notice the sensations involved with learning something well. | physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist | Musical/rhythmic | * You often sing in the car or shower. * You play a musical instrument. * You feel most engaged and productive when music is playing. | * During a study break, play music or dance to restore energy. | music therapist, musical instrument maker | Intrapersonal | * You enjoy writing in a journal and being alone with your thoughts. * You think a lot about what you want in the future. * You prefer to work on individual projects over group projects. * You take time to think things through before talking or taking action. | * Connect course content to your personal values and goals. * study a topic alone before attending a study group. * Connect readings and lectures to a strong feeling or significant past experience. | counseling psychologist, creator of a home-based or small business | Interpersonal | * You enjoy group work over working alone. * You have plenty of friends and regularly spend time with them. * You prefer talking and listening over reading or writing. * You thrive in positions of leadership. | * Form and conduct study groups early in the term. * Create flash cards, and use them to quiz study partners. * Teach the topic you’re studying to someone else. | Manager, teacher, counseling psychologist, arbitrator, police officer, nurse | Naturalist | * As a child, you enjoyed collecting insects, leaves, or other natural objects. * You enjoy being outdoors. * You find that important insights occur during times you spend in nature. * You read books and magazines on nature-related topics. | * During study breaks, take walks outside. * Post pictures of outdoor scenes where you study, and play recordings of outdoor sounds while you read. * Invite classmates to discuss course work while taking a hike or going on a camping trip. * Focus on careers that hold the potential for working outdoors. | Environmental activist, park ranger, recreation supervisor, historian, museum curator, biologist, criminologist, mechanic, woodworker, construction worker, construction contractor or estimator |