What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?

About twenty-five years ago, Dr. Howard Gardner came up with a new theory about intelligence. He proposed that people were much more complex than what could be revealed in an IQ test or any other standardized testing model. He argued that different people have different strengths (i.e. intelligence types).

Before this time, it was generally believed that intelligence was a single entity that was inherited. Today, most researchers believe the opposite; that there exists a multitude of intelligences that are quite independent of each other. It is also now believed that each of these intelligence types comes with its own strengths and constraints.

Dr. Howard Gardner built a model of eight different intelligence types, including linguistic and verbal intelligence, logical intelligence, spatial intelligence, body/movement intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, and naturalist intelligence. Each one of these intelligence types is located in specific regions of the brain. However, a person can be strong in several intelligence types.


Linguistic and Verbal Intelligence

A person strong in this area is good with words. They are often good at writing, reading, and talking about things. This group often includes writers, poets, lawyers and public speakers.

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Logical and Mathematical Intelligence

A person strong in this area is good with math and logic problems. They often enjoy solving mysteries, reading about scientific discoveries, and like to figure out how things work. They are also usually good with computers and a variety of other gadgets.

Spatial Intelligence

A person strong in this area is good with pictures and images. They are often good at putting puzzles together. They appreciate art and photography, like to draw or doodle, notice details, prefer geometry over algebra, and are good at directions.

Body and Movement Intelligence

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A person strong in this area is good with sports and movement. They often talk with their hands, like to build things, clown around in class, have great balance, and are good at a variety of sports.

Musical Intelligence

A person strong in this area is good with music and rhythm. They can often read music, remember old songs, notice patterns, and can naturally figure out how to play a tune on an instrument.

Interpersonal Intelligence

A person strong in this area is good with people. They are good listeners, can read body language, hate injustice, can see through people who aren’t being honest, hurt when others hurt, enjoy deep conversations, and often reach out to others who are hurting. Educators, counselors, salespeople, religious and political leaders all need a well-developed interpersonal intelligence.

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Intrapersonal Intelligence

A person strong in this area is good at analyzing things. They often think a lot and are highly aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They also often keep a journal and think deeply about life.

Naturalist Intelligence

A person strong in this area is good at understanding nature. They enjoy the wilderness and like to read about nature. They also categorize things, collect things, and enjoy studying plant parts.

Schools often favor verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences. This is because most
schools are centered around verbal lectures and a core curriculum that puts a lot of importance on science and math. To cater to all types of learners, schools must strive to find a balance that incorporates the arts, self-awareness, communication, and physical education.

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By teaching students in a variety of different forms, we allow them to become holistic learners.

After reviewing this list, which areas are you strongest in? Please feel free to share them in the comments section.

Kim Roach is a productivity junkie who blogs regularly at The Optimized Life. Read her articles on What’s Your Learning Style, How to Have a 46 Hour Day, Do You Need a Braindump, What They Don’t Teach You in School, and Free Yourself From the Inbox.

I watch as two-year-old Thalhah works his way through a 60-piece puzzle. I’ve seen this child spend hours quietly working his way through puzzle after puzzle—which leads me to wonder if some children are just better at solving puzzles than others. Is puzzle-solving an innate skill? Or can any child become a puzzle master?

What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?
What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?

In his 1983 book, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Harvard University psychologist and neuroscience professor Howard Gardner proposed that people have many different kinds of “intelligences.”

Gardner posited that there are eight intelligences, including visual-spatial intelligence, linguistic-verbal intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence and naturalistic intelligence. He also suggested that there may be a ninth type, which he referred to as “existentialist intelligence.” These various types of intelligence, according to Gardner, exist in different individuals in varying degrees and emerge over time.

Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences can provide a helpful framework as you observe how your students approach learning. You’ll gain insights that will enable you to assess your early learners and their different learning styles in an entirely new way and help you determine the best learning environment and activities for each child.

So grab a piece of paper and a pencil! Many of your students’ names will come to mind as you read this post and reflect on the different ways that each child thinks, solves problems and learns.

 

VISUAL-SPACIAL INTELLIGENCE (Picture Smart)

Students with high spatial intelligence think and process information in pictures and images. They have excellent visual-receptive skills and fine-motor skills. They like to build with Legos, read maps and do jigsaw puzzles, which they can visualize accurately and abstractly.

What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?
What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?

 

BODILY-KINESTHETIC INTELLIGENCE (Body Smart)

Students who possess bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are keenly aware of the world as they explore it through touch and movement. Their bodies and minds work in harmony and they can control their bodies with grace, expertise and athleticism. These children can be taught through physical activity, hands-on learning and role playing. 

What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?
What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?

 

MUSICAL INTELLIGENCE (Music Smart)

Musical students think, feel and process information primarily through sound. They are sensitive to sounds in their environments, and they may learn better with music playing in the background. They can be taught by turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically and tapping out time.

What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?
What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?

 

INTERPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE (People Smart)

Students with a high level of interpersonal intelligence have a natural ability to interact with, relate to and get along with others. They are good leaders. These students learn through interaction. They have many friends, show empathy for others and possess “street smarts.” They often learn best by engaging in group activities and dialogues.

What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?
What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?

 

INTRAPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE (Self Smart)

Children with strong intrapersonal intelligence have a deep awareness of their feelings, ideas and goals. These learners tend to shy away from others. They are strong-willed, confident and opinionated. They learn through books, creative materials, privacy and time. Students with this type of intelligence usually need time alone to process and create.

What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?
What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?

 

VERBAL-LINGUISTIC INTELLIGENCE (Word Smart)

Verbal-linguistic students love words and use them to “think through” and solve problems. These learners have highly developed auditory skills and often think in words. They like reading, playing word games and making up poems or stories. You can help these students learn by encouraging them to say and see words, read books, solve riddles and play rhyming games.

What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?
What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?

 

LOGICAL-MATHEMATICAL INTELLIGENCE (Math Smart)

Logical-mathematical students enjoy working with numbers. They can easily interpret data and analyze abstract patterns and have a well-developed ability to reason and think in terms of cause and effect. These children are able to see and explore patterns, solve puzzles and ask questions. They like to experiment. They need to learn by investigation and form concepts before they can deal with the details.

What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?
What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?

 

NATURALISTIC INTELLIGENCE (Nature Smart)

These children enjoy being in nature and want to preserve and protect the natural world. Students with strong naturalistic intelligence easily recognize and categorize plants, animals and rocks. They enjoy playing in the water or with pets and bugs and generally enjoy the outdoors. These children like to sit near windows and play with natural loose parts. They may learn better outdoors.

What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?
What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?

 

EXISTENTIAL INTELLIGENCE (Life Smart)

These children see the big picture and are deep and reflective thinkers. They are often capable of tackling deep existential questions such as “Why are we here?” and “Why do we die?” The best way to teach these children may be by diving into all the reflective thoughts that they throw at us. They love to think about how the world works, so topics such as gravity, weather, the planets and the universe all seem to pique their interest. These children like volunteering to help out in the classroom or support their latest cause. They also enjoy group discussions and discussions with adults.

What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?
What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle?

When we focus on learning styles, we can see why children who have visual-spatial or logical-mathematical intelligence are more drawn to puzzles and may be better at solving them. If you’ve ever observed children who could complete puzzles that were clearly too advanced for their age, it’s likely that these children possessed high levels of visual-spatial and/or logical-mathematical intelligence.

What type of intelligence is used when we are trying to rapidly solve a puzzle multiple choice question?

Fluid intelligence is the capacity to think speedily and reason flexibly in order to solve new problems without relying on past experience and accumulated knowledge.

What type of intelligence is involved in everyday problem

Practical intelligence, as proposed by Sternberg, is sometimes compared to “street smarts.” Being practical means you find solutions that work in your everyday life by applying knowledge based on your experiences.

What is an example of crystallized intelligence?

Crystallized intelligence examples include memorizing information such as facts and routines.

What is meant by crystallized intelligence?

Definition. Crystallized intelligence (abbreviated Gc) is reflected in a person's general knowledge, vocabulary, and reasoning based on acquired information. It is contrasted with fluid intelligence (see Fluid Intelligence) as one of the two factors of general intelligence first proposed by Cattell (1971).