Developing Logical Mathematical Intelligence
How to unlock your problem-solving potentialReviewed by David Susman, PhDReviewed by David Susman, PhDLogical mathematical intelligence is one of eight intelligences that Howard Gardner, a professor of cognition and education at Harvard University, proposed in his theory of multiple intelligences, which he outlined in his book Frames of Mind. Gardner's theory posited these types of intelligence:Visual-spatialLinguistic-verbalLogical-mathematicalBody-kinestheticMusicalInterpersonalIntrapersonalNaturalisticAccording to Rebecca Mannis, PhD and Founder and Learning Specialist at Ivy Prep, for a long time American psychologists viewed intelligence as a single factor, typified by Lewis Terman in the early to mid-1900s, who referred to intelligence as “g.” Similarly, Kimberly Berens, PhD, CEO of Fit Learning Online and author of Blind Spots: Why Students Fail and the Science That Can Save Them, explains that intelligence is often viewed as an innate ability, but there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this.Instead, Gardner theorized that there are a number of kinds of intelligence that we each may have, that we may vary in the degree we have of each one, and that we may have more or less of each of these throughout our lifetimes. Logical mathematical intelligence is one of the intelligences he described, and it represents the ability to use numbers effectively, to reason well, and to recognize and solve problems using logical patterns.In this article, we’ll review the characteristics of logical mathematical intelligence, discover how to develop it, explore strategies to enhance it, and look at the benefits of this kind of intelligence.
Anchiy / E+ / Getty
Characteristics and Examples of Logical Mathematical IntelligencePeople who have logical mathematical intelligence solve problems using logic, can quickly calculate math problems, and like when things are categorized in a rational way. They’re also good at understanding patterns, the relationships between things, and understanding complex ideas.Thus, logical-mathematical intelligence encompasses the following:Being good with numbersUnderstanding logical conceptsHaving good reasoning skillsEnjoying experimentsEnjoying solving puzzles and mysteriesBeing good at manipulating numbers and operationsBeing good at understanding and applying scientific principlesAccording to Berens, examples of logical mathematical intelligence include “fluently solving multi-step equations, [solving] language-based math problems, interpreting and analyzing scientific findings, and designing experiments.”
TakeawayMannis explains that mastery of basic facts and concepts that leads to the ability to adapt those facts and concepts into more complex tasks and to new settings is a hallmark of logical mathematical intelligence.
For instance, Mannis gives the example of a third grader with strong logical mathematical intelligence who not only knows how to distinguish between perimeter and area but can also use those formulas for other things. The child can apply “that information to a math challenge to design a playground… where they are tasked with determining what the area of a complex shape would be if there were sections of semicircles or squares within that figure ‘cut out.’ They would also be able to then identify the cost of paving the entire play area given a particular per foot fee.”For those of us who are more inclined toward verbal linguistics or another type of intelligence, this may seem beyond our reach, but it is possible to build your strength in the more mathematical areas of intelligence.How to Develop Logical Mathematical IntelligenceDecades of research indicate that higher-level skills, such as those seen in logical mathematical intelligence, require the mastery of foundational skills, says Berens. As a result, “Young learners require explicit instruction and repeated practice to fluency in core math skills such as numeracy, basic computation, fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios," she says. "They also require fluent reading skills and fluent comprehension, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.”
TakeawayMannis explains that some children are better at memorizing facts and drawing connections between concepts than others, but there are ways to develop these skills.
These methods include:Teacher education: According to Mannis, teachers must have a “strong understanding of how children develop these skills and methods [by] first teaching this content systematically and then gradually ‘scaffolding’ or adding complexity and integration."Focusing on basic math: As Berens indicates students must attain fluency in the basics before they can begin applying these core skills for mastery of highly complex skills, including algebra, geometry, and calculus.Engagement beyond the classroom: Encouraging children to see how mathematical concepts can be part of their real lives can help develop logical mathematical intelligence skills.Mannis provides an example of the last point: “A child usually reads a book in four days and would like to borrow the series to read during the three weeks between the end of the school year and sleep away camp. How can they estimate how many books they will get through? How does being free of homework shift their estimate? That is an example of living math that offers a chance to systematize, use concepts such as ratios and estimating, and also encourage them to engage through creating a system to make their estimate.”Strategies for Enhancing Logical Mathematical IntelligenceTo enhance logical mathematical intelligence you first have to learn the basics, so explicit instruction and repeated practice in math skills is essential, says Berens.Moreover, per Mannis, to enhance skills in logical mathematical intelligence further:Provide opportunities to create systems and patterns, and solve logic problemsEncourage ‘metacognitive awareness,’ or being aware of how you think, and talk through this approachBalance learning facts and math operations with real-world problem-solvingFor example, Mannis speaks of a middle school class she consulted with that timed its geometry unit so it was right before the school carnival. “After completing the basics of the course, the students were put in charge of designing, creating, and manning some of the carnival stations using” what they learned. This allowed them to use the skills they got from the course and enhance their logical mathematical intelligence.Benefits of Logical Mathematical IntelligencePeople with logical mathematical intelligence are good at rational thinking, analyzing problems logically, and thinking about issues scientifically. “Not only does mastery of high-level math skills produce long-term academic success," says Berens, "but it also gives learners access to careers in science, technology, and engineering.”We have a lot of complex problems in these fields to solve, such as climate change, and we need people with logical mathematical intelligence to solve them, she says.TakeawayWhile some people may have more innate ability with logical mathematical intelligence, anyone can enhance their abilities. Developing math skills, engaging in strategy games and logic problems, explaining your thinking, and using your skills in the real world can help develop your logical mathematical intelligence and have you on your way to unlocking your problem-solving potential.
Read Next: What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have? Take the Quiz to Find Out
Read the original article on Verywell Mind.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings