In the ‘80s, Dr. Howard Gardner, a professor at Harvard University, suggested that there are 8 basic types of intelligence. This proposal was a breakthrough in the fields of psychology and education. It allowed teachers and learning specialists to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of students. Furthermore, it helped instructional designers come up with materials that will suit the unique needs and specifications of a learner.

1. The Basic Types of Intelligence
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2. Below is a summary of these eight intelligences:
Visual or Spatial
Logical or Mathematical
People with number smarts show aptitude for logic. They love solving problems and puzzles. They enjoy abstract ideas and always want to engage in games, such as chess, and other activities that require strategy.
In the ‘80s, Dr. Howard Gardner, a professor at Harvard University, suggested that there are 8 basic types of intelligence. This proposal was a breakthrough in the fields of psychology and education. It allowed teachers and learning specialists to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of students. Furthermore, it helped instructional designers come up with materials that will suit the unique needs and specifications of a learner.

3. Kinesthetic or Bodily
Those who possess kinesthetic smarts are always active. They excel at sports and performing arts, such as dance. They learn more easily if the activity requires them to move a lot.
Verbal or Linguistic
Kids and adults with word smarts display an aptitude for storytelling and argumentation. They make good spellers, public speakers and lawyers. Most of the people with linguistic smarts also turn to profession related to writing and media.
Musical
People with this type of intelligence pick up tunes and melodies easily. They can easily express themselves through dancing, composing songs and playing musical instruments. Most of them make good theatre actors and virtuoso instrumentalist.
Interpersonal
Those who possess interpersonal intelligence display skills in communicating and understanding people. These individuals make good teachers, counsellors, nurses or doctors.

4. Intrapersonal
People with intrapersonal smarts are conscientious and sensitive. They have a clear picture of their strengths and limitations. They enjoy working with theories and ideas. They usually make good theorists, philosophers, writers or scientists.
Naturalist
People who display naturalist intelligence show deep appreciation for things, whether living or non-living, that are connected to the environment. They love animals, and they may develop an affinity for collecting stones and plants. They make good geologists, astronomers or meteorologists.
The discovery of these types of smarts has helped psychologists, teachers and instructional designers improve learning processes. One may note that some people may display more than one type of intelligence.
RESOURCES:
Can You Boost Your Child’s IQ? - http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/can-you-boost-your-childs- iq
Gifted Kids - http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/gifted-kids/201105/is- your-child-gifted-what-look-and-why-you-should-know
Looking for educational resources that cover all of your teaching needs? - http://www.ricgroup.com.au/