We explain what kinesthetic intelligence is, its characteristics, examples and how it is developed. Also, other types of intelligence.
What is kinesthetic intelligence?
Kinesthetic (or kinesthetic) intelligence is the ability to control the physical body during an action. Body mastery occurs as a consequence of information that, as a result of movement and experience, becomes learning.
An individual who develops this type of intelligence is capable of manipulating objects and perfecting their motor skills beyond a physical matter, since It also involves your cognitive ability that connects it to the nervous system.
Kinesthetic intelligence involves the coordination of balance, speed, strength and dexterity of the individual to perform any action or activity.
Its potential can be seen both in a basketball athlete who achieves great precision to put the ball in the hoop, and in a goldsmith who has great fine motor control (his pulse) to manipulate very small pieces when creating jewelry.
Characteristics of kinesthetic intelligence
Kinesthetic intelligence It is one of the eight types of cognitive competencies that are part of the “theory of multiple intelligences” prepared in 1983 by psychologist and researcher Howard Gardner. It involves the physical ability that, together with the nervous system and cognitive ability, allows control of the body to manipulate objects.
Sometimes, body movements or postures tend to be automatic (unconscious), a consequence of emotions or perception through the senses. By enhancing kinesthetic intelligence, the mind becomes more aware of these types of acts.
Gardner maintained that children who show this type of intelligence have greater motor control to accomplish what they set out to do (climbing, grabbing a certain object, etc.). Children are always on the move, even while eating or studying, so kinesthesia is a primary objective.
Stimulating this ability at an early age can contribute to the better general cognitive development of the individual through activities that involve movement, interaction and manipulation of objects.
In the current educational system, kinesthetic capacity is not recognized in teaching methodologies as occurs, for example, with logical-mathematical intelligence. Nor does it have enough social appreciation or within the professional work world.
However, it is scientifically proven that the development of the kinesthetic bodily capacity It benefits the individual because it enhances their brain connectivity and cognitive capacity.
Examples of kinesthetic intelligence
Some examples of the development of kinesthetic intelligence are:
- Capacity explore the environment and objects through touch and movement.
- Great sense of rhythm and motor coordination.
- Ease for learn through experience direct.
- Ability to perform tasks fine motor skills.
- Ability to practice disciplines such as dance, athletics and acting among others.
- Ability to meet objectives through use of body and mind.
- Ease for create things with your hands.
How is kinesthetic intelligence developed?
Kinesthetic intelligence is not only related to sports. Disciplines such as language, history, geography or mathematics are also approached from a physical perspective. For example, through a theatrical work (language), the assembly of a model with reliefs (geography) or the assembly of geometric pieces with volume (mathematics).
The more sensory senses are involved in the development of an activity, the greater the cognitive potential that the individual's mind will develop. Some activities that stimulate the development of kinesthetic intelligence are:
- The mime games that bring attention to gestural language.
- The awareness of the processes and changes of our body.
- The physical activities suitable for each type of person.
- The recreational activities like theater or dance.
- The yoga practice or similar activities that help relax the body.
- The stimulation of creativity and free expression.
- The capacity of explore places or new environments (and lose shame).
Other types of intelligence
In addition to kinesthetic intelligence, Gardner proposed seven more types in his “theory of multiple intelligences.” With his work he aims to demonstrate that human intelligence varies according to each individual and there is no single intelligence that can be measured through a numerical score, as other previous theories propose.
The types of intelligence proposed by Gardner are:
- Linguistic-verbal intelligence It is the ability to master words, language and writing.
- Logical-mathematical intelligence. It is the ability to analyze problems, calculations and operations of the exact sciences.
- Spatial intelligence It is the ability to create three-dimensional mental images from what our senses perceive.
- Musical intelligence It is the ability to follow the rhythm of music and thought through patterns and sounds.
- Interpersonal intelligence It is the ability to understand when relating to other people (capturing emotions, motivations and desires of others).
- Intrapersonal intelligence It is the capacity for introspection and self-reflection, that is, a high level of consciousness to understand one's own feelings and emotions.
- Naturalistic intelligence It is the ability to recognize, classify and use elements of the environment for your benefit.
References
- «Characteristics of kinesthetic intelligence» at VIU University.
- «What is kinesthetic intelligence» in ExploringYourMind.
- «Kinaesthetic body intelligence» in MiniColePriego.
- “Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence” on Wikipedia.
