Multiple Intelligence Theory

Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligences For the Classroom

Oct 24, 2006

Dr. Howard Gardner is changing the education system with his proposition of eight multiple intelligences. Learn them to incorporate them into your lessons.

Dr. Howard Gardner, Professor of Education at Harvard University developed the theory of multiple intelligences in 1983. He proposed eight multiple intelligences for children and adults. All adults and children have the potential to strengthen all intelligences but each of us has dominant intelligences that we excel in. Many schools main focus is on linguistic and logical intelligences. We are slowly incorporating more of the intelligences and placing more value on all of the intelligences. Each student is unique and not all will excel in linguistic and logical but with a school system that values all intelligences we will nurture all students’ gifts.

If we neglect to honor all intelligences, we are ignoring our architects, therapists, naturalists, dancers and much more. It is important to incorporate as many multiple intelligences in one lesson plan as we can and to begin this process in kindergarten and continue throughout college. I have included the eight multiple intelligences with a few skills that they develop.

Multiple Intelligences

Linguistic (Word Smart): Learners use words.

Skills: listening, writing, reading, debating

Logical (Number Smart): Learners use numerical and logical patterns.

Skills: problem solving, mathematical calculations, experiments

Interpersonal (People Smart): Learners relate to other people’s situations. They use verbal and non-verbal language.

Skills: team building, listening, empathy

Intrapersonal (Myself Smart): Learners try to understand their inner state of being.

Skills: reflecting, analyzing their behavior

Musical (Music Smart): Learners use sound, rhythms and patterns.

Skills: singing, playing an instrument, composing music

Visual/Spatial (Picture Smart): Learners use pictures and mental images.

Skills: drawing, sculpting, puzzles, interpreting visual images

Naturalistic (Nature Smart): Learners use the outdoor environment.

Skills: relating to nature, understanding cycles from nature

Kinesthetic (Body Smart): Learners use movement of their body.

Skills: dancing, sports, hands on projects

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