Multiple Intelligence
Our school assumes every child has one or many undiscovered talents. Our understanding of talent goes beyond the conventional thinking that other schools limit to scientific and linguistic skills only. According to the theory of multiple types of intelligence, we believe that there are many talents just like many types of intelligence. The educational curriculum has been built to identify talent or talents in each child. We achieve it through diagnosis which is carried out at the beginning of education. Next we focus and develop the identified talents through educational activities and extra clubs, not to mention the psychological and emotional support that is integral to our leadership-focused approach. We believe that having a capacity is not enough to succeed unless one has developed solid foundations of perseverance and independence, as well.Together with the parents or guardians we follow up with discussion of the results of the talent diagnosis and the personal development strategy, for example to determine whether we should use the strengths to build upon the weaknesses or focus only on the strong sides only.
The theory of multiple types of intelligence assumes all types of intelligence can be found in each and every one of us. However, the spectrum of intelligence is not developed evenly in us. It is crucial to know one's strengths and weaknesses, and to persistently work on development of the strongest types of intelligence. The same principle applies to adults and children alike. By discovering their strengths children gain self-esteem and acceptance for themselves. They become able to discover their own ways of acquiring knowledge and skills. It is equally important to know the weaker sides, as well, because it gives more perspective on how to strengthen and develop oneself.
According to Gardner, the eight types of intelligence are:
Linguistic, mathematical & logical, motor, musical, visual & spatial, natural, interpersonal, intrapersonal.
Language Intelligence – involves use of spoken and written words. Verbal intelligence affects the proper understanding of the meaning of words, the ability to make rhymes, sensitivity to the melody of language. People with this intelligence predominating like to discuss, interestingly talk and write well. Most often they are writers, journalists, politicians or teachers.
Mathematical & Logical Intelligence – defines how we understand the world of numbers and mathematical symbols. The high ratio of this intelligence allows us to better perform tasks and logical, physical or mathematical actions. It is also the basis for proper analysis, drawing conclusions and problem solving. People with developed mathematical and logical intelligence are inquisitive, well-organized and specific. This is the sphere of scientists and mathematicians.
Movement Intelligence – prevails in athletes or dancers. Its high level allows controlling one's body, coordinate movements, and even skillfully wield various items, such as juggling balls. People with these abilities learn the fastest by performing motor activities. Physical activity for them is the basis for taking any action and completing tasks.
Musical Intelligence – helps understand the world through sounds, rhythm and melody. Their everyday duties are usually accompanied by music, they like to sing, they play musical instruments, and have a sense of rhythm. They have very good musical sense and are sensitive to all kinds of sounds.
Visual & Spatial Intelligence – enables better grasp of the world through images, visualization and orientation in space. This intelligence is the domain of graphic designers, architects, painters, chess players or engineers. People with high level of this intelligence have a rich imagination, are creative and imaginative, skillfully use maps, tables and diagrams. They have a developed sense of touch, find themselves in three-dimensional space, eagerly attend art, painting and modeling classes.
Natural Intelligence – demonstrates itself in one's passion for the world of fauna and flora and other natural issues. People with high level of this intelligence love spending time outdoors, are curious about the world, love animals and are interested in ecology. They are happy to collect natural specimens such as cones, leaves, pebbles, feed animals, and care for the environment. Natural intelligence is best shown in professions such as a botanists, farmers or veterinarians.
Interpersonal Intelligence – shows in people who are generally likeable and surrounded by groups of friends. They care for good relationships, have highly developed ability to empathize and communicate in a verbal and non-verbal way. These people are great as leaders and skillful in team work. They communicate easily and know how to listen to others.
Intrapersonal Intelligence – shows in people with the ability to look at oneself from within, set personal goals and implement them, plan out and manage one's own growth. People with highly developed intrapersonal intelligence show strong motivation, resourcefulness, independency and consistency.