According to Dr. Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences determine how we process information, meaning, how we learn. There are nine categories of Multiple Intelligences, as follow: (1) Verbal/Linguistic, being the ability to understand syntax, semantics and phonology of a language; the use of new, strange or fun vocabulary words as well as humor; an appreciation for academic debate. A person in this category would be word smart; (2) Bodily/Kinesthetic, being the ability to control one's motions and the capacity to handle objects skillfully; and appreciation for dancing, jogging, acting, sports.

A person in this category would be body smart; (3) Visual/Spatial, being the ability to perceive the visual world accurately; of using mind-mapping process; an appreciation for puzzles, active imagination process. A person in this category would be picture smart; (4) Musical/Rhythmical, being the ability to understand and express the components of music, sound, singing, drumming, and beats; an appreciation for all forms of music manifestation. A person in this category would be music smart; (5) Logical/Mathematical, being the ability to understand and use logical structures, patterns, and relationships; an appreciation for mind-stretching puzzles, working to solve a problem or new thinking patterns. A person in this category would be logic smart; (6) Intrapersonal, being the ability to access one's own emotional life; an appreciation of higher order thinking or reasoning skills; possessing an awareness of feelings and emotions.

A person in this category would be self smart; (7) Interpersonal, being an ability to notice and make distinctions of moods, motivations, team spirit, good person-to-person communication, and positive interdependence. A person in this category would be people smart. This is, by the way, a common characteristic presented by teachers; (8) Naturalistic, being an ability to recognize and classify nature and care for creatures and ecosystems as well as to describe and analyze insects, animals, rocks, plants.

Discrimination by a teenager with regards to cars, sound systems, sneakers, CDs, films, etc also fit in this category. A person in this category would be nature smart; (9) Existential, being the ability to ask "big" questions, to look for the truth, beauty, goodness, and the meaning of life. A person in this category could be called spirit smart.

So here, think about these descriptions and see where you fit and remember that we all possess many of them. I speak more deeply about them in another article. Enjoy, for now. .

By: Dr. Maria Moratto