Last Updated on October 5, 2022 by Editorial Team
Education is not only about reading books and getting graduation. It is about applying what we have learned too. Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to use mathematical and logical knowledge to perform daily tasks, analyze and utilize information to create new things, or improve existing ones.
Thus, it is very essential to get into deeper realms of this topic. In this post, we intend to do the same and walk you through the definition, examples, and applications of logical-mathematical intelligence, especially in the field of teaching.
Why logical-mathematical intelligence is essential?
Logical-mathematical intelligence is essential for:
a. Data analysis: One can identify smaller data sets from the bigger ones. And, use this knowledge to design trivial things in childhood like how many steps to climb to reach upstairs. In adult life, too, demand and supply analysis, etc. kind of important studies can be done using mathematical intelligence.
b. Form and shape identification: Mathematical data, such as types of figures, forms, angles, and other measurable statistics help in attaining shape intelligence.
c. Speed and distance analysis: All kids need to assess the speed and distance to do activities like catching a ball, kicking a ball to the goal post, hitting the ball with a bat. The same skills are useful for safe driving kind of activities in adulthood.
d. Apply this knowledge to create new things: Newton, Einstein, Graham Bell, and several innovators have one thing in common. They all were logical-mathematically intelligent. Using their ability to analyze and apply logic, they invented so many things which are relevant still to date.
Who is a logical-mathematical intelligent person?
Taking clues from information from the previous section, one can safely infer that a logical-mathematical intelligent person shows the following characteristics:
- Capable of working on data
- Conduct scientific research
- Able to find a solution for every problem
- Solve logical and mathematical problems using data and applying operations to it
- Love for games like chess, Scrabble, Sudoku, and anything that challenges mind
- Interest in jobs like working for a cause, investing in stock markets, research, and something that requires them to read and crack information, and create new things.
A concrete part of education is devoted to giving students the premises, opportunities, and methods to develop mathematical intelligence in children. Let’s take a look at the activities that can help build this intelligence in growing children.
Activities to develop logical-mathematical intelligence
At this platform, I have curated lots of board games, apps, etc. from time to time. These are the easiest tools to develop logical-mathematical intelligence in children. They can do activities like:
a. Solving puzzles: All puzzles are solved using some logic. Hence, the more puzzles of various kinds you solve, the better it is for the development of logical intelligence. Puzzles can be:
- Numeric puzzles: Encourage kids to solve Sudoku, Karaku, number sequencing puzzles, etc. regularly. These help build logic and work up cranial capacity to be able to make decisions and solve more problems.
- Logical puzzles: Pattern identification and prediction puzzles make it easy for the learners to have a better approach towards problem-solving. Patterns are everywhere. With the help of logical puzzles, etc. one can know how to decode those patterns and use them for model-making.
b. Play board games: Board games offer the most interesting tool to develop spatial thinking, spatial visualization, etc. The ability to strategize, plan, and ways to solve problems reinforce the problem cracking skills. These board games provide strategically designed tools to train students and company workers in building leadership, team player attitude, and learning how to apply logical intelligence.
c. Reading comprehension sessions: Read stories and answer questions based on the facts given in the paragraph or story. The activity offers the perfect way to develop logical reasoning skills. It also brings out the researcher in you.
d. Creating stories from real-life situations: Pick any instance like going to school. Now, build a story around this real-life situation.
Apart from these, there are numerous other activities like project planning, solving statistical problems, brain-teasing, doing decoding activities like morse code decoding, using a system analysis, field trips to museums, etc.
Examples of logical-mathematical intelligence
Howard Gardner identified eight types of intelligence in human beings. Logical intelligence is one of those. It is one of the traits that are required for adapting to changing conditions, interpreting numbers and forms, and making decisions using the information one may come across. There are certain examples that demonstrate inexplicably what characterizes logical-mathematical intelligence:
- A panache for strategic and problem-solving games
- An analytical approach towards data handling
- Deep interest in electronics, accounts, math, computers, etc.
- Working on projects that require teamwork, strategic approach, and skills utilization.
- Interest in kitchen creating recipes, etc.
Applying logical-mathematical intelligence in teaching
To build logical-mathematical intelligence in children, teachers need to devise ways that drive students into deep thinking, strategizing, and working on a method that leads to problem-solving. This can be achieved by:
- Number Talk Session: The teachers can drive students into solving the math problems by strategizing and sharing the method using which they reached the solution. The number talks prompt the students to come forward and share their thought processes.
- Make tables: Teachers may include data sorting activity in the instruction plan. They may sort the data as per the instructions provided. For example, count bananas from the picture and write the figure below the banana’s column.
- Give projects with timelines: The biggest boost the mind gets when it is made to work in a time-pressed manner. Teachers may give tasks, break them into smaller ones and assign deadlines for each part. It compels students to think fast with added accuracy.
- Encourage learning through manipulatives: The manipulatives offer the opportunity to apply thinking to move the objects like blocks, ropes, key cards, etc. to develop an understanding of concepts and figure out the process to reach a conclusion. The teachers can use it to teach counting and help sort data in a tangible manner among various other things.
Summing up,
If any person is able to classify, compare, understand relationships and patterns, or solve problems, it is because of logical-mathematical intelligence. Once developed early in life, it becomes a natural characteristic of a person. It takes a good teacher to identify the student’s potential to develop logical intelligence. But, once done, the journey onwards is easier and a more productive one.
An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’,