The Theory of MI and Me:

When I was introduced to the theory of MI, I was mesmerized by the logic and concept behind it. It caught my attention so strongly, still have not come out of it. I sipped the purpose of the theory slowly and gradually, day by day. chunk by chunk. With the constant application in real-life classroom situations, now I am confident that I got it right into my lesson planning and implementation.

What is MI?

The theory proposes a variety of intelligence and its characteristics. As a learner, each individual has a unique style of learning. As a teacher, when you provide the right kind of stimulating resources and environment, the learner learns better and the understanding has long sustainability. You can have a dominant intelligence along with a few of the other intelligence to broaden the way of thinking/learning process.

There are basic 9 types of Intelligence:

1. Linguistic Intelligence: Word Smart

Linguistic Intelligence people are good with language - oral or/and written. They can analyze the information very well and can create wonderful speeches, written artifacts and books. As a learner, they are strong in the use of vocabulary, lexical set, drama/scriptwriting, creative expressions and/or story writing. When they grow up, they might get successful as a host, lawyer, writer or even as a journalist.

2. Logical and Mathematical Intelligence: Number Smart

This refers to the logic and problem-solving capabilities of a particular individual. This type of person is good with numbers, problem-solving, investigation and connection building, analyzing the issues with scientific reasoning and evidence. Logical Intelligence likes to deal with complex Math operations, challenging equations and abstract problems. This type of student enjoys Math slots, Math centers or thinking routine activities. They can make a career in bank, account firm, new research and scientific experiments and/or computer analyst.

3. Spatial/Visual Intelligence: Picture Smart

Spatial intelligence refers to individuals who are strong with imagination and understanding of the models. They can recognize the patterns and models, recreate them in 2D or 3D point of view. They can visualize the future models and built the replica as miniature. They are the originator and creators of large-scale models and buildings. As a learner, s/he enjoys project work, building models, hands-on Lego material or block playing. Later on, they can build a career in designing stuff like architecture, interior designing, sculptures or model making.

4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: Body Smart

They are the potential users of their bodies and body parts. Bodily-Kinesthetic people like to play different sports, are good at dancing and at the skills that require hands or legs for minute details. They have good hand-eye coordination while making things. As a learner, they learn the best with hands-on experiences. When you provide them manipulative and resources to touch, feel and sense the object, they are at their best. They might pursue a career as dancer, surgeon, carpenter, athlete or in craft making.

5. Musical Intelligence: Music Smart

This intelligence is good at understanding rhythmic patterns and musical compositions. They can create music, produce the rhythms and recognize and analyze the nuances of musical compositions. When you teach them through songs, rhymes and patterns, they learn things easily. They might choose the career as a singer, composer or music director.

6. Interpersonal Intelligence: People Smart

Interpersonal Intelligence refers to individuals who are good with people and identifying human behavior. They can deal with various types of people and are very social. They are the stars at the gathering, popular amongst the friends and winners of the hearts. They can easily understand human motives, intentions and desires. While learning, when this type of student is kept in group activities or peer connections, they learn at their best. Once grown up, they might pursue a career in teaching, public relations, sales and marketing or politics.

7. Intrapersonal Intelligence: Self Smart

Intrapersonal means who knows self at its best. This intelligence can comprehend their own self, their fear, dreams, strengths and weaknesses. They are very good reflectors. They can analyze their characteristics and use them to gain the max potential self. At times, they can even help others to see the goodness in them. This type of learner prefers individual tasks, challenging worksheets where a lot of brainstorming is required and their own pace and space to learn. They might be successful as a businessman, counselor, psychologist, motivational speaker or Guru.

8. Naturalist Intelligence: Nature Smart

These individuals are experts in nature-related things - plants, animals, living organisms or natural phenomena. They study the patterns of nature, discover the mysteries of the earth and give their best contributions to save flora and fauna. As a learner, they like to explore natural elements, work in outdoors and open surroundings, study the things available in the environment and collect the samples from nature. They like to save and restore the resources provided by nature and live Eco-friendly life. They can be excellent as geologists, Biologists, Meteorologists, Weatherman or Nature Discovers.

9. Existential Intelligence: Life Smart

This is the newly add intelligence in this theory. They deal with deep questions about their existence. They intend to find the true purpose of their life, their meaning for existence and why do they come on earth. They deal with the most common question of life - where do we come from and why do we die... As learners, they are very curious and do their best to find the answers to their problems. They are deep thinkers and reflectors of life issues. As a grown-up, they might make a career as a philosopher, scientist or motivational Guru.

As a teacher, how does this theory help me?

• It helps me to plan my daily activities and lesson plans

• It inspires me to serve a variety of resources to my students

• It helps me to understand what diverse learners I have in class

• I can suggest the future career to students/parents

• When we provide the right kind or teaching aids for each intelligence, students learn maximum with an interest

• It helps me to produce different assessment strategies

• It celebrates the diversity of learning profiles that are unique and sensitive