Understanding multiple intelligences and their role in learners’ career choices

Multiple Intelligences (MI) anchors on The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, which was developed in 1983 at Harvard University by the American psychologist and educationist – Prof Howard Gardener. He popularised the theory in his heroic book titled The Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. By the same token, Thomas Armstrong expounded this great thought in two separate titles: The 7 Kinds of Smart: Identifying and Developing Your Multiple Intelligences and Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom. 

Somewhat, MI Theory abuts on the deep belief that intelligence is not only limited to academic performance, examination scores, or the ability to perform well in Mathematics and languages proficiency, but also people possess different forms of intelligences, which can be developed and applied in different occupations. The main message is, every learner has strengths that can be developed into useful skills, and applied in meaningful careers. Therefore, this is useful information in Learner-Profiling process. 

In sum, according to Prof Howard Gardner, there are around 9 intelligences or manifold ways people express their smartness: (1) Verbal-linguistic people are words and language smart. (2) Logic-Mathematical people are numbers or logic or problem-solving smart. (3) Spatial-Visual people are pictures or images or designs smart. (4) Bodily-Kinesthetic people are body or hands or co-ordination smart. (5) Musical people are music, poetic, rhythm or sound smart. (6) Intra-personal people are self-smart. (7) Inter-personal people are people smart. (8) Naturalistic people are nature or environment smart. (9) Existential people are life smart. 

Firstly, this is the ability to use spoken and written language effectively. So, people with this intelligence enjoy reading and writing. They communicate ideas effectively. They dote on debating and story-telling proficiencies. They have rich word-banks and vocabulary. They express themselves confidently through wise use of words. Their possible career opportunities include: Journalism, law, teaching, editing, authorship, public relations, translation, interpretation, public speaking, content-creation, speech writing, et cetera. 

2. Logic-Mathematical Intelligence: Number or Logic or Problem-Solving Smart 

Secondly, this is the ability to reason logically, analyse information, identify patterns, solve Mathematical and scientific problems. So, people with this type of intelligence, thrive in solving Mathematical problems, thinking critically and analytically. They enjoy experiments and investigations. They identify relationships and patterns. They make decisions using evidence. Their suitable career opportunities include: Engineering, teaching Mathematics, accounting, statistics, computer programming, software development, data analysis, economics, actuary, financial analysis and research. 

Thirdly, this is the ability to think in pictures, visualise objects and understand spaces, shapes, colours and designs. People with this intelligence enjoy drawing and designs. They easily interpret maps and diagrams. They have good sense of direction. They visualise objects mentally. They enjoy photography and artistic activities. The suitable career opportunities include: Architecture, graphic designs, photography, interior design, fashion design, piloting, animation, cartography, urban planning, surveying, et cetera. 

Then, this is the ability to use the body effectively in the performance of physical activities, manipulation of objects and expression of ideas through movement. People with this intelligence are ambidextrous and enjoy sports and physical activities. They have good hand-eye co-ordination. They learn effectively through practical activities. They enjoy making and repairing things. They demonstrate physical agility and co-ordination. Possible career opportunities include: Athletics, dancing, choreography, surgery, martial artist, carpentry, mechanics, teaching Physical Education (PE), physiotherapy, sports coaching, et cetera. 

Again, this is the ability to recognise, create, perform and appreciate musical patterns, rhythm, tones and sounds. This kind of people enjoy singing and playing instruments. They easily recognise melodies. They have a good sense of rhyme and rhythm. They enjoy composing songs. They appreciate different musical styles. The career opportunities include: Music production, singing, composing, teaching music, sound engineering, choir direction, music director, et cetera. 

Additionally, this is the ability to understand oneself; including personal emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, motivations and aspirations. It is described as self-awareness or Emotional Intelligence. People with this intelligence, understand their personal strengths and weaknesses. They enjoy engaging in soul-search, self-reflection and introspection. They have strong personal goals and ambitions. They understand their emotions and feelings. They prefer independent thinking. They make decisions based on personal values and principles. Career opportunities include: Entrepreneurship, creative writing, researching, philosophy, psychology, life-coaching, counselling, consultancy, pastoral work, et cetera. 

Moreover, this is the ability to understand other people, communicate effectively, co-operate and build positive relationships. People with this intelligence enjoy working with people due to their high level of social intelligence. They understand other people’s feelings. So, also known as people skills. These people have excellent communication skills. They enjoy teamwork and group discussions. They demonstrate leadership and conflict-resolution skills. Career opportunities include: Teaching, counselling, coaching, pastoral work, human resource-management, social work, diplomacy, management, sales work, marketing, customer care services, community development, events organiser et cetera. 

Furthermore, this is the ability to recognise, classify and understand plants, animals, and other aspects of the natural environment. People with this intelligence enjoy working outdoor. They appreciate plants and animals. They understand environmental relationships. They enjoy farming and gardening. They have intense interest in conservation and environmental protection. Career opportunities include: Veterinary science or medicine, environmental science, botany, zoology, marine biology, forestry work, wildlife work, fisheries, conservation, meteorology, horticulture, agriculture.  

Finally, this is the ability to ponder, fundamental, big-picture questions about life, death, human existence and ultimate realities. It goes beyond standard logic or factual knowledge to explore the “why” behind human experience. Career opportunities include: Philosophy lecturing, theological work, counselling, life-coaching, humanitarian work, motivational speaking, et cetera.