IQ tests are not an acceptable reflection of a person. These tests work better for some people than for others simply because some people are better with words and logic, not because they are more intelligent. There are many such individuals at any workplace who are extremely good at what they do, but their IQ is possibly quite low because words and logic are not their strong suit.
History of the IQ test
Intelligence testing started in the late 19th century in Paris where Alfred Binet developed a test designed to identify children with special educational needs. His approach of measuring intelligence was rapidly adapted across the world and schools began testing children and designing their curriculum around the children’s IQ.
Almost a century later in the 1970s, a Harvard professor of education, Howard Gardner questioned the traditional definition of intelligence on which the IQ test was based. He proposed that people had many other gifts and talents that weren’t reflected in the traditional ideals of intelligence. He created a model based on a variety of sources – neurophysiological research, studies with autistic people, geniuses and protégés.
In 1983, Howard Gardner published Frames of Mind, which suggested seven different types of intelligence – linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial-visual, interpersonal and intrapersonal. His multiple intelligences theory is a well-established model for understanding the many ways in which human intelligence works.
The multiple intelligences
According to Gardner, his theory “challenge[s] an educational system that assumes that everyone can learn the same materials in the same way and that a uniform, universal measure suffices to test student learning. Indeed, as currently constituted, our educational system is heavily biased toward linguistic modes of instruction and assessment and, to a somewhat lesser degree, toward logical-quantitative modes as well.”
He further argues that “[a] contrasting set of assumptions is more likely to be educationally effective. Students learn in ways that are identifiably distinctive. The broad spectrum of students - and perhaps the society as a whole - would be better served if disciplines could be presented in a numbers of ways and learning could be assessed through a variety of means.”
Take the multiple intelligences test on the right to find your intelligence type and career prospects.
The seven learning styles originally presented by him are:
Linguistic: These learners are good at using words effectively. They have highly developed auditory skills and often think in words. They like reading, playing word games, making up poetry or stories. They can be taught by encouraging them to say and see words, read books together.
Logical–Mathematical: They are particularly proficient at reasoning and calculating; these learners think conceptually, abstractly and are able to see and explore patterns and relationships. They like to experiment, solve puzzles and ask questions. They feel a need to learn and form concepts before they can deal with details.
Musical: These learners show sensitivity to rhythm and sound. They love music and are also sensitive to sounds in their environments. They may study better with music in the background.
Bodily–kinesthetic: They use the body effectively, like a dancer or a surgeon. These learners have a keen sense of body awareness. They like movement, making things by hand, touching etc. They communicate well through body language and can be taught through physical activity, hands-on learning, acting out, role playing etc.
Spatial-visual: These learners think in terms of physical space, as do architects and sailors. They are very aware of their environments and like to draw, do jigsaw puzzles, read maps etc. They can be taught through drawings, verbal and physical imagery.
Interpersonal: These learners are great at understanding and interacting with others. These students learn through interaction.
They have many friends, empathy for others and street smarts. They can be taught through group activities, seminars, dialogues etc.
Intrapersonal: These learners have a keen understanding their own interests and goals. They tend to shy away
from others and are in tune with their inner feelings; they have wisdom, intuition and motivation, as well as a strong will, confidence and opinions.
