What are the pros and cons of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence and what does Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences state?
We all have our strengths and weaknesses when learning in school or learning generally to acquire knowledge.
Kinesthetic is a type of strength that involves the movement of the body. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence describes individuals who are good at using their bodies during a learning process.
The idea of bodily-kinesthetic learning originated from Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory. It defines people who learn using their bodies, whether in an educational setting or generally.
What Is Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence?
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence involves the use of movement or sensation to accumulate information in a learning process. People who are good at gathering information from the surrounding environment using their bodies are exhibiting kinesthetic intelligence.
It’s important for educators to identify kinesthetic learners when they see one, to endure the proper method of instruction suitable for their strength is made available.
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Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
American developmental psychologist, Howard Earl Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences.
Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences states that there are eight specific types of intelligence. The American psychologist theory suggests that the view of intelligence based on IQ tests is too narrow.
Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory was criticized by many for lacking experimental evidence. However, the concept remains useful for educators and individuals who want to understand a more suitable way of learning.
Everyone learns in their unique way just as nature has made it. It would be unwise for a teacher to expect a left-handed student to an item designed for right-handed students.
When teachers understand how a student is naturally built to function and learn in the classroom, little adjustment is all that is needed to teach the student according to his strength.
Gardner’s 8 types of intelligence include;
Logical-math intelligence
This refers to strong skills in performing complex math operations, determining patterns, and analysing data. Students will excel in areas like computer programming, engineering, and accounting.
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Verbal-linguistic intelligence
This refers to having good verbal skills and processing the sound of rhymes. A student will learn to read, write, and demonstrate outstanding verbal skills through storytelling or debates.
An excellent career path in teaching, journalism, and law.
Visual-spatial intelligence
This refers to visualizing accurately, seeing patterns, and demonstrating good judgement. Architecture, arts, and design are possible career paths.
Interpersonal intelligence
This refers to strengths in reading and understating people’s emotions, moods, and intentions. With these skills, students will excel in careers like politics and counselling.
Musical intelligence
Strong musical and rhythmic skills to sing, compose, and play musical instruments with ease. Students with this skill will excel in composing and performing music.
Intrapersonal intelligence
It involves possessing strong self-awareness and good self-reflection skills.
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence involves the use of movement or sensation to accumulate information in a learning process. With this ability, students will excel as dancers, builders, firefighters, and professional athletes.
Naturalist intelligence
This refers to strong self-awareness and self-reflection skills. With these skills, students will excel in farming, gardening, and biology.
Pros and Cons of Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Pros of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are as follows.
Increased Information Retention
Physical interaction and movement can play a role in helping people remember what they learn. While this may not work for everybody, it helps others to remember what they have learned.
Kinesthetic learners will use this technique to learn in an educational setting.
Kinesthetic learning sometimes involves physically repeating every task. This helps build muscle memory as well as enhance information retention.
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Improved Problem-solving Skills
Generally, kinesthetic learning enhances critical thinking and analytical skills through consistent experimentation. Visual learning methods help kinesthetic learners to understand information better.
It’s a method that helps learners absorb important information and also encourages learners to identify information themselves.
More Engaged Participation
Energy will likely increase as a result of movement ad this will help learners concentrate on their training.
Improved Autonomy and Self-confidence
People often participate in kinaesthetic learning at their own pace to help them discover and practice new processes.
Encouraging learners to review their progress regularly can enhance individual growth and confidence. Learners should not be compared with anyone else, rather they need to be encouraged for their progress so far.
Kinesthetic learning can encourage people to work together. More can be achieved when people work together for a common goal.
Promoting teamwork can improve work relationships, build trust, ad accomplish more in a short time.
People with kinaesthetic intelligence are known to be active mentally. Their minds are active and engaged whenever they have to use their senses.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence is Healthy
Kinesthetic learning is healthy for learners.
Exercising is good for the body as it offers better health status. People who enjoy learning by putting their bodies to work are doing two things at the same time.
First, they are expressing themselves in a manner they like. And secondly, they are doing it to stay healthy.
Bodily-Kinesthetic is Practical and Useful
Kinesthetic intelligence enhances practical skills in learners.
The process of practically learning something comes with lots of advantages. For example, some who reads about how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or first-aid will not have the necessary skills required in a life-and-death situation.
On the other hand, some who participate in a training program where adequate practice are carried out will be more experienced in any medical emergency situation.
During the training, the instructor will allow participants to try the procedures themselves and performances will be recorded. Practical training like this will only offer the best experiences required to save lives.
Con of Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
We have discussed the benefits (Pros) of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, so what could be the disadvantage (Cons).
You will likely Struggle in Traditional Classrooms
A major issue with kinesthetic intelligence is that traditional educational practices aren’t built for this type of learning.
Teaching these days is more of explaining concepts, writing notes on the board, and lots of discussion with students.
This type of teaching method is required in most situations as there are lots of students who benefit from this method. It’s the perfect teaching method suitable for their learning style.
While this may be perfect for some students, there are many students in the classroom that do not perform in that type of environment.
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It’s Difficult to Measure
A directive from the government requires students to test other students. This is done to access the effectiveness of the school and to ensure students are learning according to the curriculum.
Achievement tests and tests like SAT and GRE are paper and pencil measures. This implies that the test requires the use of verbal-linguistic skills.
In such a situation, kinesthetic learning will be of no importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about the pros and cons of Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.
What are examples of bodily-kinesthetic activities?
Bodily-kinesthetic activities include performing arts like dance and drama, participating in sports, and building projects.
What are bodily-kinesthetic skills?
They include dexterity and strong and fine motor skills.
What famous people have bodily-kinesthetic intelligence?
Famous American actor Tom Cruise and former NFL player Tom Brady are individuals with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.
Conclusion
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence involves the use of movement or sensation to accumulate information in a learning process. People with this intelligence possess special skills to learn through their senses.
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence has its advantages and disadvantages.
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References
- Helpfulprofesor: 5 Pros And Cons Of Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
- Study.com: Kinesthetic Intelligence: Overview & Examples
- Indeed.com: Kinesthetic Learning: Benefits and How To Partake in It
- JSTOR: Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence and Dance Education: Critique, Revision, and Potentials for the Democratic Ideal