There is a learning theory that most people outside of the area of education never hear about. Created by Dr. Howard Gardner, it is called the theory of multiple intelligences. The idea behind the theory is that there are eight forms of “intelligence” and that everyone has strong and weak areas within these intelligences.

Those who have verbal/linguistic intelligence are adept at dealing with the written and spoken word.

People with musical intelligence best learn and express themselves through music, rhythm and dance.

Logical/mathematical intelligence is evident in number and computational skills. Patterns and logic come easily to these learners.

Those with visual/spatial intelligence have an excellent perception of their location and/or orientation in regards to other objects and show keen visual awareness.

Body/kinesthetic intelligence leads to excellence in the areas of coordination and physical activity.

A person with intrapersonal intelligence is self-aware and reflective. Interpersonal intelligence allows for good communication and working well with others.

People who display naturalist intelligence are at their finest when observing nature and trying to reach understandings of their observations.

Therefore, this is fine to tell a bunch of teachers, but what does it have to do with everyday life and especially self-confidence? The foundation of adult self-confidence is created at an early age. What if you spent your entire school life feeling like you couldn’t measure up? That you were never good at the things your teachers asked you to do. It’s easy to see how such feelings could leave someone with low self-confidence that could stay with them later in life.

Most school assignments and standardized tests are set up to reward students with verbal/linguistic skills. Intrapersonal skills come into play when teachers ask students to reflect on an experience, often resulting in a writing prompt like, “Write about a time when you…” Interpersonal skills are useful for group work, but with the wrong teacher, you may never get a chance to display those skills while filling out worksheets at your desk. Some intelligences would be useful in specific classes, such as body/kinesthetic abilities in gym class. But try to use those skills when it’s time to read a story, and you’ll probably get sent to the principal’s office.

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