Rethinking intelligence: How multiple intelligences redefine success in and out of school

To say I struggled with math in school is an understatement.

Not basic math, but Algebra in particular.

It took me two years to pass the course, and that was with the help of a patient tutor.

I now have a grandchild that struggles a bit in school.

However, his dad is a mechanic and this kid can fix or repair anything that has a motor in it with ease.

He's not stupid.

Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University is credited with developing the theory of multiple intelligences. In 1983, he wrote the book Multiple Intelligences.

Here is each one:

Word Smart - enjoys reading, writing, and telling stories.

Logic Smart – the ability to reason, enjoys math and puzzles.

Picture Smart – enjoys creating art, designing, making crafts, and photography.

Music Smart – enjoys music, singing, has a musical ear.

Body Smart – enjoys sports, and dancing, but also sewing or carpentry.

Nature Smart – has a strong interest in animals, plants, rocks, camping, and hiking.

People Smart – enjoys working with and getting to know others, they make good leaders.

Self Smart – comfortable being by themselves, tend to be independent, goal oriented and self-disciplined.

It's not a question whether we are “smart” or “stupid”. The right question to ask becomes, “In what ways am I smart?”

My point is, if you you struggle with writing, or math, or science, you're not stupid.

We all have different abilities, and different areas where we excel.

Let's encourage our kids and grandkids in whatever their particular area of interest is.

The world is full of successful people who excel in various ways that are not necessarily recognized in traditional classroom settings.

By the way, I've never used Algebra since graduation.

See you out there.