Types of Intelligence and Study Habits
There are eight different intelligence types. Each intelligence type is best suited to a particular way of
studying.
Linguistic Intelligence
Linguistic intelligence is commonly referred to as being "word smart." If you have linguistic intelligence,
you are probably very good when it comes to understanding and manipulating words, letters, and phrases.
People who are word smart love to read, play word games, and write down notes and stories. They also
like to discuss information actively with others.
Study Tips: If you possess linguistic intelligence, try taking detailed notes when you are reading
or working on the internet. Keep a personal journal of what you learn, describing what you think
about different issues related to learning topics. You might also try creating and using flash cards
in order to memorize materials.
Logical/Mathematical Intelligence
Logical/mathematical intelligence is sometimes referred to as being "number smart." If you are number
smart, you work well with numbers and equations, as well as logic problems. People with
logical/mathematical intelligence are also capable of coming up with effective solutions for complex
problems.
Study Tips: If you possess a lot of logical/mathematical intelligence, try making charts or graphs
of the information you have learned. Classify and categorize your notes when you are studying or
organize class materials according to importance to help you stay on task. Put information you
receive into categories and classifications that you create
Spatial Intelligence
People who possess spatial intelligence are often referred to as being "picture smart." If you have spatial
intelligence, you are excellent when it comes to creativity, art, and drawing. You also learn best when you
are able to express your ideas visually.
Study Tips: Spatial learners should make use of their love of pictures when studying. Try creating
pictures to represent certain terms or concepts from your class material. Sketch pictures alongside
your notes to help you remember ideas and create graphs and charts to visualize information.
Draw a picture on a flashcard for each concept or vocabulary word you study. Use charts and
graphic organizers to keep track of what you learn
Kinesthetic Intelligence
People with kinesthetic intelligence are often referred to as being "body smart." These people learn best
by doing and love to work with their hands. They enjoy exercising and being outdoors.
Study Tips: People who are body smart can learn effectively by acting out concepts from class.
Try linking your newly acquired knowledge with real life examples or interact with others when
studying.
Musical Intelligence
If you have musical intelligence you are "music smart." This means that you can understand the
relationship between logic and creativity, particularly when it is manifested as sounds or beats. You excel
when it comes to working with different rhythms.
Study Tips: Musical learners can enhance their studying by listening to music when completing
online learning. You might also try to create rhymes or mnemonics to help you remember
important information. Remember vocabulary words by linking them to similar-sounding words in
your mind
Interpersonal Intelligence
People with interpersonal intelligence are "people smart." They enjoy working actively with others and
know how to express their ideas and opinions effectively. People with interpersonal intelligence relate
well to others and enjoy discussing things with family and friends.
Study Tips: If you have interpersonal intelligence, you will probably study best when surrounded
by others. Discuss class materials with fellow classmates in online forums, or join a study group
online.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
If you have intrapersonal intelligence you are "self smart." You excel when it comes to working on your
own and you have the ability to figure things out for yourself.
Study Tips: If you have a lot of intrapersonal intelligence, you may want to focus on studying
alone. Find a quiet place without distraction where you can learn effectively. Try keeping personal
notes alongside your class materials to help clarify concepts and ideas.
Naturalistic Intelligence
If you have naturalistic intelligence, you may recognize and can name many different types of trees,
flowers, and plants, have an interest in and good knowledge of how the body works and keep abreast of
health issues, may be conscious of tracks, nests, and wildlife on a walk and can “read” weather signs,
have an understanding of, and interest in, the main global environmental issues.
Study Tips: Naturalistic students can study outdoors or take breaks outdoors. Abstract
information may be hard for a naturalistic learner to understand. It can be better understood if it is
related to something concrete in nature. Find ways to bring the outdoors into your study
environments. You can use flowers and green foliage in vase arrangements in your study. Find
beautiful outdoor spaces or study spaces that overlook beautiful settings.Take your laptop to a
park, or write that essay overlooking the ocean if you can. Aromatherapy can help create
stimulating moods for study, but be sure your're not allergic to any of the scents!
Your next step would be to combine your strongest intelligences to narrow down to the very most
effective strategies for you. Examples are:
Students with a strong kinesthetic or interpersonal intelligence like to apply, experience, and
teach what they have learned. They study best in groups with members taking turns explaining
and discussing topics. Teaching the subject matter to someone else or using flashcards will
reiterate the material for the student. It may be beneficial for kinesthetic and interpersonal learners
to think of the practical use for the course material. Some students also find moving while
learning helps with memorization.
The intrapersonal and logical/mathematic learners need to think about things before
understanding them. When studying, it is best to find a quiet setting and stop to think after
reading to absorb the information. Students who have a strong logical/mathematic intelligence
should classify and group information.
The highest level of understanding how best to study is to use your two or three highest intelligences
and combine those strengths with your learning style. Obviously this is much more complex.