Multiple Intelligences

The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of
education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on
I.Q. testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to
account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults. These intelligences are:

 Linguistic intelligence (“word smart”)

 Logical-mathematical intelligence (“number/reasoning smart”)

 Spatial intelligence (“picture smart”)

 Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence (“body smart”)

 Musical intelligence (“music smart”)

 Interpersonal intelligence (“people smart”)

 Intrapersonal intelligence (“self smart”)

 Naturalist intelligence (“nature smart”)

Dr. Gardner says that our schools and culture focus most of their attention on linguistic and
logical-mathematical intelligence. We esteem the highly articulate or logical people of our
culture. However, Dr. Gardner says that we should also place equal attention on individuals who
show gifts in the other intelligences: the artists, architects, musicians, naturalists, designers,
dancers, therapists, entrepreneurs, and others who enrich the world in which we live.
Unfortunately, many children who have these gifts don’t receive much reinforcement for them in
school. Many of these kids, in fact, end up being labeled “learning disabled,” “ADD (attention
deficit disorder,” or simply underachievers, when their unique ways of thinking and learning
aren’t addressed by a heavily linguistic or logical-mathematical classroom.

The theory of multiple intelligences proposes a major transformation in the way our schools are
run. It suggests that teachers be trained to present their lessons in a wide variety of ways using
music, cooperative learning, art activities, role play, multimedia, field trips, inner reflection, and
much more (see Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, 4th ed.). The good news is that the
theory of multiple intelligences has grabbed the attention of many educators around the country,
and hundreds of schools are currently using its philosophy to redesign the way it educates
children. The bad news is that there are thousands of schools still out there that teach in the
same old dull way, through dry lectures, and boring worksheets and textbooks. The challenge is
to get this information out to many more teachers, school administrators, and others who work
with children, so that each child has the opportunity to learn in ways harmonious with their
unique minds (see In Their Own Way).

The theory of multiple intelligences also has strong implications for adult learning and
development. Many adults find themselves in jobs that do not make optimal use of their most
highly developed intelligences (for example, the highly bodily-kinesthetic individual who is stuck
in a linguistic or logical desk-job when he or she would be much happier in a job where they
could move around, such as a recreational leader, a forest ranger, or physical therapist). The
theory of multiple intelligences gives adults a whole new way to look at their lives, examining
potentials that they left behind in their childhood (such as a love for art or drama) but now have
the opportunity to develop through courses, hobbies, or other programs of self-development
(see 7 Kinds of Smart).
How to Teach or Learn Anything 8 Different Ways

One of the most remarkable features of the theory of multiple intelligences is how it provides
eight different potential pathways to learning. If a teacher is having difficulty reaching a student
in the more traditional linguistic or logical ways of instruction, the theory of multiple intelligences
suggests several other ways in which the material might be presented to facilitate effective
learning. Whether you are a kindergarten teacher, a graduate school instructor, or an adult
learner seeking better ways of pursuing self-study on any subject of interest, the same basic
guidelines apply. Whatever you are teaching or learning, see how you might connect it with

 words (linguistic intelligence)

 numbers or logic (logical-mathematical intelligence)

 pictures (spatial intelligence)

 music (musical intelligence)

 self-reflection (intrapersonal intelligence)

 a physical experience (bodily-kinesthetic intelligence)

 a social experience (interpersonal intelligence), and/or

 an experience in the natural world. (naturalist intelligence)

For example, if you’re teaching or learning about the law of supply and demand in economics,
you might read about it (linguistic), study mathematical formulas that express it (logical-
mathematical), examine a graphic chart that illustrates the principle (spatial), observe the law in
the natural world (naturalist) or in the human world of commerce (interpersonal); examine the
law in terms of your own body [e.g. when you supply your body with lots of food, the hunger
demand goes down; when there’s very little supply, your stomach’s demand for food goes way
up and you get hungry] (bodily-kinesthetic and intrapersonal); and/or write a song (or find an
existing song) that demonstrates the law (perhaps Dylan’s “Too Much of Nothing?”).

You don’t have to teach or learn something in all eight ways, just see what the possibilities are,
and then decide which particular pathways interest you the most, or seem to be the most
effective teaching or learning tools. The theory of multiple intelligences is so intriguing because
it expands our horizon of available teaching/learning tools beyond the conventional linguistic
and logical methods used in most schools (e.g. lecture, textbooks, writing assignments,
formulas, etc.). To get started, put the topic of whatever you’re interested in teaching or learning
about in the center of a blank sheet of paper, and draw eight straight lines or “spokes” radiating
out from this topic. Label each line with a different intelligence. Then start brainstorming ideas
for teaching or learning that topic and write down ideas next to each intelligence (this is a
spatial-linguistic approach of brainstorming; you might want to do this in other ways as well,
using a tape-recorder, having a group brainstorming session, etc.). Have fun!

Theory of Multiple Intelligences

This theory suggests that traditional psychometric views of intelligence are too limited. Gardner
first outlined his theory in his 1983 book "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences,"
where he suggested that all people have different kinds of "intelligences." Gardner proposed
that there are eight intelligences, and has suggested the possible addition of a ninth known as
"existentialist intelligence."
In order to capture the full range of abilities and talents that people possess, Gardner theorizes
that people do not have just an intellectual capacity, but have many kinds of
intelligence, including musical, interpersonal, spatial-visual, and linguistic intelligences.

While a person might be particularly strong in a specific area, such as musical intelligence, he or
she most likely possesses a range of abilities. For example, an individual might be strong in
verbal, musical, and naturalistic intelligence.

Criticism

Gardner’s theory has come under criticism from both psychologists and educators. These critics
argue that Gardner’s definition of intelligence is too broad and that his eight different
"intelligences" simply represent talents, personality traits, and abilities. Gardner’s theory also
suffers from a lack of supporting empirical research.

Despite this, the theory of multiple intelligences enjoys considerable popularity with educators.
Many teachers utilize multiple intelligences in their teaching philosophies and work to integrate
Gardner’s theory into the classroom.

Learning more about the multiple intelligences can help you better understand your own
strengths. Continue reading to learn more about the major characteristics of each type of
intelligence, and if you still aren't sure which type describes you best, this quiz can help you
figure it out.

Visual-Spatial Intelligence

Strengths: Visual and spatial judgment

People who are strong in visual-spatial intelligence are good at visualizing things. These
individuals are often good with directions as well as maps, charts, videos, and pictures.

Characteristics

Characteristics of visual-spatial intelligence include:

 Enjoys reading and writing

 Good at putting puzzles together

 Good at interpreting pictures, graphs, and charts

 Enjoys drawing, painting, and the visual arts

 Recognizes patterns easily

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are:

 Architect

 Artist
  Engineer

2
Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence

Strengths: Words, language, and writing

People who are strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence are able to use words well, both when
writing and speaking. These individuals are typically very good at writing stories, memorizing
information, and reading.

Characteristics

Characteristics of linguistic-verbal intelligence include:

 Good at remembering written and spoken information

 Enjoys reading and writing

 Good at debating or giving persuasive speeches

 Able to explain things well

 Often uses humor when telling stories

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you are:

 Writer/journalist

 Lawyer

 Teacher

3
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

Strengths: Analyzing problems and mathematical operations

People who are strong in logical-mathematical intelligence are good at reasoning, recognizing
patterns, and logically analyzing problems. These individuals tend to think conceptually about
numbers, relationships, and patterns.

Characteristics

Characteristics of logical-mathematical intelligence include:

 Excellent problem-solving skills

 Enjoys thinking about abstract ideas

 Likes conducting scientific experiments

 Good at solving complex computations

If you're strong in logical-mathematical intelligence, good career choices for you are:

 Scientist

 Mathematician

 Computer programmer

 Engineer

 Accountant

4
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

Strengths: Physical movement, motor control

Those who have high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are said to be good at body movement,
performing actions, and physical control. People who are strong in this area tend to have
excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Characteristics

Characteristics of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence include:

 Good at dancing and sports

 Enjoys creating things with his or her hands

 Excellent physical coordination

 Tends to remember by doing, rather than hearing or seeing

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, good career choices for you are:

 Dancer

 Builder

 Sculptor

 Actor

5
Musical Intelligence

Strengths: Rhythm and music

People who have strong musical intelligence are good at thinking in patterns, rhythms, and
sounds. They have a strong appreciation for music and are often good at musical composition
and performance.
Characteristics

Characteristics of musical intelligence include:

 Enjoys singing and playing musical instruments

 Recognizes musical patterns and tones easily

 Good at remembering songs and melodies

 Rich understanding of musical structure, rhythm, and notes

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in musical intelligence, good career choices for you are:

 Musician

 Composer

 Singer

 Music teacher

 Conductor

6
Interpersonal Intelligence

Strengths: Understanding and relating to other people

Those who have strong interpersonal intelligence are good at understanding and interacting
with other people. These individuals are skilled at assessing the emotions, motivations, desires,
and intentions of those around them.

Characteristics

Characteristics of interpersonal intelligence include:

 Good at communicating verbally

 Skilled at nonverbal communication

 Sees situations from different perspectives

 Creates positive relationships with others

 Good at resolving conflict in groups

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in interpersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:

 Psychologist
  Philosopher

 Counselor

 Salesperson

 Politician

7
Intrapersonal Intelligence

Strengths: Introspection and self-reflection

Individuals who are strong in intrapersonal intelligence are good at being aware of their own
emotional states, feelings, and motivations. They tend to enjoy self-reflection and analysis,
including daydreaming, exploring relationships with others, and assessing their personal
strengths.

Characteristics

Characteristics of intrapersonal intelligence include:

 Good at analyzing his or her strengths and weaknesses

 Enjoys analyzing theories and ideas

 Excellent self-awareness

 Clearly understands the basis for his or her own motivations and feelings

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in intrapersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:

 Philosopher

 Writer

 Theorist

 Scientist

8
Naturalistic Intelligence

Strengths: Finding patterns and relationships to nature

Naturalistic is the most recent addition to Gardner’s theory and has been met with more
resistance than his original seven intelligences. According to Gardner, individuals who are high
in this type of intelligence are more in tune with nature and are often interested in nurturing,
exploring the environment, and learning about other species. These individuals are said to be
highly aware of even subtle changes to their environments.
Characteristics

Characteristics of naturalistic intelligence include:

 Interested in subjects such as botany, biology, and zoology

 Good at categorizing and cataloging information easily

 May enjoy camping, gardening, hiking, and exploring the outdoors

 Doesn’t enjoy learning unfamiliar topics that have no connection to nature

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in naturalistic intelligence, good career choices for you are:

 Biologist

 Conservationist

 Gardener

 Farmer