Dr. Gardner says that our schools and culture focus most of their attention on linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence. We esteem the highly articulate or logical people of our culture. However, Dr. Gardner says that we should also place equal attention on individuals who show gifts in the other intelligences: the artists, architects, musicians, naturalists, designers, dancers, therapists, entrepreneurs, and others who enrich the world in which we live. Unfortunately, many children who have these gifts don’t receive much reinforcement for them in school. Many of these kids, in fact, end up being labeled "learning disabled," "ADD (attention deficit disorder," or simply underachievers, when their unique ways of thinking and learning aren’t addressed by a heavily linguistic or logical-mathematical classroom. The theory of multiple intelligences proposes a major transformation in the way our schools are run. It suggests that teachers be trained to present their lessons in a wide variety of ways using music, cooperative learning, art activities, role play, multimedia, field trips, inner reflection, and much more (see Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom). The good news is that the theory of multiple intelligences has grabbed the attention of many educators around the country, and hundreds of schools are currently using its philosophy to redesign the way it educates children. The bad news is that there are thousands of schools still out there that teach in the same old dull way, through dry lectures, and boring worksheets and textbooks. The challenge is to get this information out to many more teachers, school administrators, and others who work with children, so that each child has the opportunity to learn in ways harmonious with their unique minds (see In Their Own Way).
Some individuals are able to learn just about anything using their logical skills. They are able to calculate and work out relationships and connections between items. They enjoy mental challenges seeking out solutions to logical, abstract and mathematical problems and have good deductive reasoning skills. On a lesser scale, thy may simply excel at games involving skill and strategy such as chess or computer battle games.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence may be defined as the ability to appreciate and calculate the effect of actions upon objects or ideas and the relationships among them. To apply inductive and deductive reasoning skills, to provide solutions and to overcome complex mathematical and logical challenges as well as solving critical and creative problems.
Individuals with Logical-Mathematical Intelligence will fall into one or perhaps all of the following sectors:- * Educational Mathematical Achievements * Studied maths at school / college and achieved good grades * Strong everyday Mathematical Skills * Enjoys utilising ones mathematical skills in everyday life * Everyday Problem Solving Skills – Naturally inquisitive, curious and investigative * Ability to apply logical reasoning skills to solve everyday problems * Strategic Games – Generally enjoys, and is good at games involving skill and strategy
To exhibit strong Logical-Mathematical Intelligence, it is not necessary for you to be good at maths - the very act of selecting key points in a logical, systematic numbered sequence can be evidence of this intelligence. The very act of investigating and analysing allows you to go beneath the surface of what you may be learning so as not to simply take it at face value.
From a very early age we have all been encouraged to develop the art of communication. Even if we do not consider ourselves to be particularly talented, we have at least learned sufficient so as to interact fairly successfully with others. There are however, individuals who have developed their linguistic skills to the point where it becomes an art. They have the ability to write and/or talk fluently, utilising a broad vocabulary to express the precise meaning of what they wish to convey and they can speak almost melodically with changing intonations and rhythms of sound to express feelings and promote memory.
The precise definition of Linguistic Intelligence has been defined by Howard Gardener as sensitivity to the meaning of words, the order among words, sounds, rhythms, inflections, different functions of language, phonology, syntax and pragmatic.
Individuals with Linguistic Intelligence will have one or more of the following skills:- * Express Sensitivity - The ability to listen carefully to others language and language patterns and to communicate expressively (primarily orally) with appropriate sensitivity. * Rhetorical Skills - The ability to use language as a tool for persuasion and effect through negotiation. * Literature Skills - The ability to choose words well when writing in order to generate the right emotional tone for example when writing letters, poems, stories or when creating reports. * A good verbal memory for what is read, spoken or written.