Kinesthetic Intelligence
Here is an idea for a research paper topic.
Kinesthetic Intelligence is one the identified multiple intelligences, as developed by Howard Gardner. The term "kinesthetic" refers to body position and movement. The root of the word comes from the Greek word for motion. Individuals gifted in kinesthetic intelligence are able to control their muscles and skillfully handle objects. These individuals are thought to become athletes, dancers and actors as well as police officers and soldiers.
Kinesthetic Intelligence and Gardner
Howard Gardner developed his theory of multiple intelligences in the 1980s. Going beyond the standard single defining factor of human intelligence, Gardner originally proposed seven areas of intelligence, with other abilities defined in later works. Bodily-kinesthetic, as Gardner called it, facilitates learning through tactile stimulation and movement. Such individuals are also said to be good in sports or dance or even in the physical manipulation of objects. Fine motor skill and hand-eye coordination are kinesthetic aptitudes. Individuals with Kinesthetic Intelligence would be said to be good at the following:
- Learning through active role playing
- Learning through theater or play acting
- Participating in a demonstration
- Athletic competition
Kinesthetic Intelligence in Children
When applied to educational settings, educators see kinesthetic intelligence manifesting itself in the constant movement of children who learn best through hands-on experience. Kinesthetic learners are generally well-coordinated and work well with their hands, and are often labeled as hyperactive as children. Learning becomes imprinted in the specific muscle movements of the body.