Multiple Intelligences and Career Exploration: Connecting Howard

Gardner’s MI Theory to Career Possibilities

ADE Career ConferenceFebruary 22, 2012

Multiple IntelligencesHoward Gardner:

John H. and Elisabeth A. Hobbs Professor in Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education; adjunct professor of psychology at Harvard University and adjunct professor of neurology at the Boston University School of Medicine 1983: Frames of Mind

8 ways people are intelligent

How are you smart?Multiple Intelligences in YOU!

Who is smart?

Who is smart?

Who is smart?

Who is smart?

Who is smart?

Who is smart?

Who is smart?

Eight Ways of Being Smart: Verbal/Linguistic-WORD SMARTIf you are WORD SMART, you generally

have a rich vocabulary and sensitivity to the meaning of words, grammar rules and the function of language in writing and orally.

You enjoy listening and talking to people.You probably like word games and puzzles.You sort new information through your

listening and repeating skills (memorization).

If you’re WORD SMART, you might make a good…AuthorLawyerEditorInterpreter/translatorPlaywrightPoetReporterTeacherLibrarian

Eight Ways of Being Smart: Logical/Mathematical-NUMBER SMARTIf you are NUMBER SMART, you have the

ability to see relationships between objects, to see patterns, to understand cause and effect, and solve problems.

You are curious about how things work; you like to ask questions and investigate.

You enjoy strategy games, logical puzzles and experiments. You like to use computers.

You probably learn best when you outline or use graphic organizers, classify things into categories.

If your NUMBERS SMART, you might consider a career as a(n)…AccountantInvestment BrokerLawyerChemistPharmacistPhysicianComputer ProgrammerEngineerCity Planner

Eight Ways of Being Smart: Visual/Spatial-PICTURE SMARTIf you are PICTURE SMART, you are able to

visualize three-dimensional objects. You have the ability to retrieve information already learned through images and pictures.

You have the ability to understand geometry and recognize the relationships of objects in space. You may be very good in visual arts, sculpture, architecture, or photography.

Maps and charts are usually easy for you to understand. You enjoy mazes and jigsaw puzzles.

You learn well using pictures, colors, visualizing images, or drawing.

If you’re PICTURE SMART, you might make a good…PhotographerGraphic DesignerAdvertiserPilotArchitectCartographerDentistEngineerMechanic

Eight Ways of Being Smart:

Bodily/Kinesthetic-BODY SMARTIf you are BODY SMART, you use your body to

communicate and solve problems. You are good with objects and activities involving your body, hands and fingers.

You like being physically active, playing sports, dancing, or acting. You like doing crafts and working on mechanical projects.

You prefer to learn through your body or feelings. You learn by touch, manipulation, and moving or feeling whatever you are learning.

You learn information best through games, acting, hands-on tasks, building.

If you are BODY SMART, you might consider a career as a(n)…DancerCoachAthleteActor/ActressEquestrianMassage TherapistPhysical TherapistPhysicianCarpenter

Eight Ways of Being Smart: Musical/Rhythmic-MUSIC SMARTIf you are MUSIC SMART, you have the ability to hear

and recognize tones, rhythms and musical patterns. You are even sensitive to nonverbal sounds in the environment. You enjoy listening to music and singing to themselves.

You may play a musical instrument or sing in a choir. You like to sing/play or drum to yourself.

You can remember and repeat a melody after listening it to once. You may use music to create melodies and rhythms.

You learn through rhythm and melody. You may need music to study or you may learn new things more easily if sung, tapped out, or whistled.

If you are MUSIC SMART, you might make a good…Band DirectorComposerRecording TechnicianSingerSound EngineerMusical PerformerMusic Critic

Eight Ways of Being Smart:

Interpersonal-PEOPLE SMARTIf you are PEOPLE SMART, you understand and care

about people and their feelings and get along with almost everyone. You have many friends and like to help them solve their problems.

You can see things from another person’s point of view and respect differences among people.

You usually pay attention to other people’s facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice.

You like to teach other kids and participate in school organizations and clubs. You have the ability to influence people and are natural leaders.

You learn best by sharing and comparing things with others.

If you are PEOPLE SMART, you might consider a career as a…TeacherCounselorTravel AgentChild Care WorkerCoachMediatorPhysician/NurseManagerPublic Relations Specialist

Eight Ways of Being Smart:

Intrapersonal-SELF SMARTIf you are SELF SMART, you are aware of your

strengths and weaknesses, moods, and motivations. You usually have good self-discipline to achieve personal goals.

You are self-motivated. You can monitor your thoughts and feelings and control them effectively.

You may need your own quiet space some or most of the time, and you prefer to study by yourself.

You learn best through observing and listening and working at your own pace.

If you are SELF-SMART, you might be good as a(n)…EntrepreneurConsultantCounselorPsychiatristResearcherWriterTrainer

Eight Ways of Being Smart:

Naturalist-NATURE SMARTIf you are NATURE SMART, you have the ability to

recognize plants, animals, and other parts of natural environment such as rocks, trees, flowers, clouds.

You may like doing outdoor activities related to nature such as fishing, hiking, camping.

You have a strong connection to the outside world or to animals. You notice patterns and things from nature easily. You may love collecting flowers or rocks, or you may love caring for animals or plants.

You may enjoy stories, shows, or any subjects that deal with animals or natural happenings (events). You may be interested in biology, astronomy, meteorology, and zoology.

You learn best when you work in nature and learn about plants and natural events.

If you are NATURE SMART, you might consider a career as a(n)…BotanistChefEnvironmentalistLandscape ArchitectMarine BiologistSailorVeterinarianAstronomerMeteorologist