MInt explained - try the questionnaire
MInt is short for Multiple Intelligences and at St Mary's we are trying to use this concept to help in our learning and teaching.
Our intelligence or ability to understand the world around us is complex. Some people are better at understanding some things than others. For some of us it is relatively easy to understand how a flower grows but it is immensely difficult for us to understand and use a musical instrument. For others music might be easy but playing hockey is difficult.
There are 8 Multiple Intelligences that have been established and that we consider in our learning and teaching. Each year, girls fill in a questionnaire to help them reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses as learners. Each girls scores are available to the staff who teach her, so they too can be aware of the individual qualities of each pupil.
Try your hand at this questionnaire that is found on the internet. This will establish your dominant intelligences. Obviously if you have seven or more equally dominant, then you are gifted with Multiple Intelligences. Once you have this information, you can apply it to help you achieve any goal you might set yourself: you can continue to use your dominant intelligences or you can challenge yourself by using, and thereby strengthening, your weakest intelligences.
Eight Ways of Knowing
(i) Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
The knowing that occurs through the process of seeking and discovering patterns and through problem solving. It uses such tools as calculation, thinking skills, numbers, scientific reasoning, logic, abstract symbols and pattern recognition.
(ii) Visual-spatial Intelligence
The knowing that occurs through seeing both externally (with the physical eyes) and internally (with the mind’s eye). It uses such tools as drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, montage, visualisation, imagination, pretending and creating mental images.
(iii) Musical-Rhythmic Intelligence
The knowing that occurs through hearing, sound, vibrational patterns, rhythm and tonal patterns, including a full range of potential sounds produced with the vocal chords. It utilizes such tools as singing, musical instruments, environmental sounds, tonal associations, and the endless rhythmic possibilities of life.
(iv) Bodily-Kinaesthetic Intelligence
The knowing that occurs through physical movement and performance (learning by doing). It employs such tools as dance, drama, physical games, mime, role-play, body language, physical exercise, and inventing.
(v) Naturalistic Intelligence
The knowing that occurs through encounters with the natural world. This involves an appreciation for understanding the various flora and fauna; recognition of species membership, and ability to relate to living organisms. It uses such tools as hands-on labs, field trips, sensory stimulation, and attempts to classify and comprehend natural patterns.
(vi) Interpersonal Intelligence
The knowing that occurs through person-to-person relating, communication, teamwork and collaboration. It employs such tools as co-operative learning, empathy, social skills, team competitions, and group projects that foster positive interdependence.
(vii) Intrapersonal Intelligence
The knowing that occurs through introspection, metacognition (thinking about thinking), self-reflection, and ‘cosmic questioning’ (what is the meaning of life?). It uses such tools as affective processing, journals, thinking logs, teaching for transfer, higher-order thinking, and self-esteem practices.
(viii) Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence
The knowing that occurs through the written, spoken, and reading aspects of language as a formal system. It uses such tools as poetry, essays, letters, creative writing, debates, public speaking, presentations, discussions, formal and informal conversations and reading aloud.
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Dr David George ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) who was the inspiration for the MInt initiative at St Mary's and
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Catherine (U5) who designed the MInt logo at the top of the page.
Chris Sykes (MInt Co-ordinator)
