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WEEKLY COACHING TIP
#125
SPATIAL
INTELLIGENCE
'Spatial
Intelligence (SI) is the second of the three pillars of the standard IQ tests. Like
Numerical Intelligence, it is the one in which many people consider themselves
particularly weak, or a talent that some people have and most do not! However,
Spatial Intelligence just like all intelligences, can be explained,
understood and developed.' Tony Buzan
Do
you know that we have multiple intelligences (MI) (see '97
- What Else Can You Do With A Paper Clip) and one of these is Spatial
Intelligence. Tony
Buzan tells us in his book
Head
First that we have 10 intelligences and I have to say my SI is seriously
in need of attention. Now I've known for some time that my SI is
practically zilch. However, the other day I had good reason to go to
Tony Buzan's book and look up the section on SI.
The
reason being the other day as I was standing on a railway platform, I couldn't
work out in my head if I should get on right at the front of the train or the
back so that when I alighted I would be near the exit on the platform.
The thing is I've been on this particular station platform many times and
every time I have to try and figure out which end it is. I just can't
seem to work out the logistics, it's almost as if that bit of my brain
is 'empty'! In the end I made a decision and yes, I was ....wrong!
again!!
It's
got to the point where my husband is sometimes incredulous as he watches me
trying to work out spatial type problems, things that for him are as easy as
abc, but for me are a real problem. Anyway, I did the test in the book
and my score was abysmal so I'm definitely going to work on this area. I
have included the Tony Buzan test for you to try yourself.
In
scoring this test, give yourself 0 if the statement is absolutely untrue, and
100 if it is explosively true.
- I
enjoy games such as draughts, chess and go.
- I
am good at physical sports that require spatial awareness, such as
football, basketball, etc.
- I
am one of the best people I know at giving and receiving and understanding
directions.
- I
love maps and map reading, and can always translate them accurately in the
real world.
- When
I make notes, I always use shapes, colours and diagrams to help me
understand better.
- I
love taking things apart - and I can put them back together again!
- I
enjoy games and jigsaw puzzles, especially the three-dimensional sort.
- I
am the person to whom others come when mechanical objects and other forms
of machinery need fixing.
- I
am excellent at all forms of arcade and video games.
- I
love geometry/mechanical drawing/woodwork/crafts/interior design/graphic
art/fine art, etc.
- I
am fascinated by astronomy, including the relative distance and position
of objects in the universe, and their shapes and structures.
Now add up the score
and keep a record in a few weeks time the idea is that you can come back to
the test and see if you have improved. I recommend
Head
First, it's very simple and
interactive and he actually gives you exercises to improve your various
intelligences.
For
example, did you know that computer games, dancing, physical activity and
geometric/puzzle game books actually help to improve your Spatial
Intelligence?
2004 Denise Bosque All Rights Reserved |