Mathematical Intelligence is also known as the Logical Mathematical Intelligence. It is the individual’s capacity with numbers, calculations, patterns, logic and analysis. It is one of the most commonly understood cognitive faculty. They are abstract thinkers. Logic and Reasoning are what attracts them. They are good at scientific processes, investigations. Everything that requires logic is their forte. Gardner likes to call them ‘Math Smart’. Every scientist, mathematician, physicist is a person with high Mathematical Intelligence. To name a few – Archimedes, Newton, Pythagoras, Kepler, Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates are person with high Mathematical Intelligence.
Learners with high Mathematical Intelligence can be easily recognized by the following traits:
- Like to count and work with Numbers
- Are organized in nearly everything that they do
- Like to be precise
- Like to learn through experimentation in a logical way
- Are good at problem solving, recognizing patterns
- Good at strategy games, number games
- Are abstract thinkers
- Understand the concept of time very easily
- Want rational and logical explanations for everything
- Good at doing calculations mentally.
As each one of us requires some mathematical ability in our day to day life this intelligence becomes important. A child’s association with numbers should start early and from everyday life, for example - counting the stairs while going up and down at the primary stage, calculating the quantity of goods to be bought with a particular amount of money, conversions etc at a later stage. Certain exercises or activities can be undertaken at home and in classrooms to promote this Intelligence. Some of the activities are:
- Knowing Numbers, Counting ;
- Puzzles & Games;
- Sequencing & Patterns;
- Observation & Visual Discrimination ;
- Sorting & Comparisons;
- Mental Calculations;
- Jigsaw Puzzles and Maze Games;
- Encouraging Introspecting on Working of Various Machines, Electronics etc.
Numbers, logic, calculations and reasoning are math intelligences that many learners enjoy, so their career options and goals can also be in the associated fields. Some of the options that they can consider are the following:
- Accountants;
- Animal Trackers;
- Bookkeeper;
- Computer Programmers;
- Doctors;
- Economists;
- Engineers;
- Financial Planner;
- Mathematician;
- Police Investigators;
- Researchers;
- Scientist.