Smart OptionsCareer Exploration Based on Multiple Intelligences

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Theory

• Howard Gardner, 1983, Frames of the Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

- Functionality, utility or value of behavior to society- Exceptional people – 1 area, under-developed in others

• Thomas Armstrong, 1993, 7 Kinds of Smart: Identifying and Developing Your Many Intelligences

• Daniel Goleman, 1995, Emotional Intelligence

Theory

Gardner Armstrong

Bodily-kinesthetic Intelligence Body Smart Interpersonal Intelligence (EI) People Smart (EI) Intrapersonal Intelligence (EI) Self Smart (EI Linguistic Intelligence Word Smart Logical-Mathematical Intelligence Logic Smart Musical Intelligence Music Smart Naturalist Intelligence Nature Smart Spatial Intelligence Picture Smart

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Guiding Principles

1. Intelligence is pluralistic and multi-dimensional

2. Multiple intelligences are inherent in all people

3. Multiple intelligences can be identified and described

4. Multiple intelligences can be developed and strengthened

5. Everyone has a unique mix of multiple intelligences

Guiding Principles

6. Everyone is entitled to recognize, express and cultivate her/his intelligence

7. Intelligences constantly interact in our motivation, attitudes and behavior

8. Knowledge of one’s intelligences enhances self –esteem and self-confidence

9. Knowledge of one’s intelligences stimulates self-direction and self-reliance

10. Multiple intelligences are a good bases for exploring life and work options

SmartOptionsSmartOptionsLesson Plan One

Discover and Assess Your Smarts

Objectives• Introduce participants to multiple

intelligences and help them assess their smarts

• 1 to 1 ½ hours

Activities• Changes in the work world. How many expect … ?• Explore the concept of intelligence (5 people, test

items, canoe – capacity to adapt)• Introduce 8 smarts• Participants assess their smarts• Suggested variations

SmartOptionsSmartOptionsLesson Plan Two

Practice Using Smart Ideas

Objectives• Increase familiarity with smarts and explore

their role in work settings• 1 to 1 ½ hours

Activities• Identify the main and secondary smarts in job

examples (Chef in expensive hotel, creativity)• Identify the relevance of identified smarts in example

jobs• Smarts and life choices

SmartOptionsSmartOptionsLesson Plan Three

Create Your Smarts Profile and Explore Career Possibilities

Objectives• Teach participants to generate their Smarts

Profiles and research potential career domains using their profiles

• 1 to 1 ½ hours (additional research time by participants)

Activities• Participants create their Smarts Profiles (check

distribution of strongest smarts)• Putting Smarts Profiles to work• Converting occupational profiles to smart occupational

profiles

SmartOptionsSmartOptionsLesson Plan Four

Build Your Smarts

Objectives• To reinforce that awareness of smarts

enhances employability and capacity to adapt in all aspects of life, to establish that smarts can be developed and strengthened, and to provide suggestions for building smarts

• ½ hour

Activities• Discuss advantages of seeing oneself in terms of 8

smarts• Review strategies for building smarts

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The High FiveCareer Building Principles

1. Focus on the journey, not the destination. Become a good traveler.

2. You’re not alone. Access your allies, and be a good ally.

3. Change is constant, and brings with it new opportunities.

4. Learning is lifelong, and it’s good. We are most alive when we are learning.

5. Know yourself, believe in yourself and follow your heart.

Connecting to the Real Game

For more information

Vicki GrayNew York State Department of LaborCareer Resource Network OfficeVictoria.gray@labor.state.ny.us518-402-0440