- What is kinesthetic intelligence?
- Characteristics of kinesthetic intelligence
- Examples of kinesthetic intelligence
- How is kinesthetic intelligence developed?
- Other types of intelligence
We explain what kinesthetic intelligence is, its characteristics, examples and how it develops. 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 dominance occurs as a consequence of information that, as a result of movement and from experience, it becomes learning.
An individual who develops this type of intelligence is capable of manipulating objects and perfecting their abilities motor skills beyond a physical issue, since it also involves their cognitive ability that connects him to nervous system.
Kinesthetic intelligence involves the coordination of balance, speed, force and the skill of the individual to perform any action or activity.
Its potential can be appreciated both in an athlete of basketball that achieves great precision to put the ball into the ring, as in a goldsmith who has great control of fine motor skills (his pulse) to manipulate very small pieces when creating jewels.
Characteristics of kinesthetic intelligence
Kinesthetic intelligence is one of the eight types of cognitive competences that are part of the “Theory of multiple intelligences”, Prepared in 1983 by psychologist and researcher Howard Gardner. It involves physical ability that, together with the nervous system and cognitive ability, allow control of the body to manipulate objects.
Sometimes, body movements or postures are usually automatic (unconscious), a consequence of emotions or perception through the senses. By enhancing kinesthetic intelligence, the mind becomes more aware of such acts.
Gardner argued that children who show this type of intelligence have greater control of motor skills to accomplish what they set out to do (climb, grab a certain object, etc.). Children are always on the go, even while eating or studying, which is why kinesthesia is a objective primary.
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 ability is not recognized in methodologies from teaching as happens, for example, with logical-mathematical intelligence. Nor does he have enough appreciation socially or within the professional world of work.
However, it is scientifically proven that the development of kinesthetic bodily capacity benefits the individual because it enhances their brain connectivity and cognitive ability.
Examples of kinesthetic intelligence
Some examples of the development of kinesthetic intelligence are:
- Ability to explore the environment and objects through touch and movement.
- Great sense of rhythm and motor coordination.
- Ease of learning through direct experience.
- Ability to perform fine motor tasks.
- Ability to practice disciplines such as dance, the Athletics and acting, among others.
- The ability to achieve objectives through the use of the body and mind.
- Ease of creating things with your hands.
How is kinesthetic intelligence developed?
Kinesthetic intelligence is not related solely to the sport. Disciplines As the language, history, geography or math they 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 (math).
The more sensory senses that 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:
- Mimic games that draw attention to gestural language.
- The awareness of the processes and changes of our body.
- The appropriate physical activities for each type of person.
- Recreational activities, such as theater or dance.
- The practice of yoga or similar activities that help relax the body.
- Stimulation of the creativity and of free expression.
- The ability to explore new places or environments (and lose embarrassment).
Other types of intelligence
In addition to kinesthetic intelligence, Gardner raised seven more types, in his "theory of multiple intelligences." With his work he aims to show 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 suggest.
The types of intelligence raised by Gardner are:
- Linguistic-verbal intelligence. It is the ability to master the word, 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 elaborate three-dimensional mental images from what our senses perceive.
- Musical intelligence. It is the ability to follow the rhythm of the music and thinking through patterns and sounds.
- Interpersonal intelligence. It is the ability to understand when relating to other people (capturing emotions, motivations and wishes of others).
- Intrapersonal intelligence. It is the capacity for introspection and self-reflection, that is, a high level of consciousness to understand one's feelings and emotions.
- Naturalistic intelligence. It is the ability to recognize, classify and use elements of the environment for your benefit.