Introduction to Multiple Intelligences- CBC TPD

Did you know that each person has unique intelligence and that we thrive in certain learning environments while struggling in others? There are eight different types of intelligence, as put forth by Howard Gardner. People can have varying levels of intelligence, and they can change over time. Teachers can use multiple intelligences in the classroom for the benefit of their students by customizing lessons, classroom layouts, and assignments for these multiple intelligences.

Keep reading to find out about all eight bits of intelligence, how to implement multiple intelligences in the classroom, and how to benefit from them.

What is the Multiple Intelligences Theory?

The Multiple Intelligences Theory throws away the idea that intelligence is one sort of general ability and argues that there are actually eight types of intelligence. One is not more important than the other, but some may help people succeed at different things.

For example, a person with high musical intelligence and low visual-spatial intelligence may succeed in music class but may struggle in art class.

Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligence

Howard Gardner of Harvard University first came up with the theory of multiple intelligences in 1983. Gardner argues that there are eight types of intelligence, far more than the standard I.Q. test can account for.

He goes on to say that these multiple intelligences “challenge an educational system that assumes that everyone can learn the same materials in the same way and that a uniform, universal measure suffices to test student learning.”

Gardner argues that schools and teachers should teach in a way that supports all types of intelligence, not just the traditional ones such as linguistic and logical intelligence.

Gardner argues that schools and teachers should teach in a way that supports all types of intelligence, not just the traditional ones such as linguistic and logical intelligence.

The Eight Bits of Intelligence

1. Linguistic Intelligence (“word smart”)

2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (“number/reasoning smart”)

3. Visual-Spatial Intelligence (“picture smart”)

4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“body smart”)

5. Musical Intelligence (“music smart”)

6. Interpersonal Intelligence (“people smart”)

7. Intrapersonal Intelligence (“self smart”)

8. Naturalist Intelligence (“nature smart”)

1. Linguistic Intelligence

Linguistic intelligence, also called verbal-linguistic intelligence, is about knowledge of language use, production, and possibilities.

Those with this type of intelligence have the ability to use language to express themselves and assign meaning by way of poetry, humor, stories, and metaphors. It is common for comedians, public speakers, and writers to be high in linguistic intelligence.

Teaching for Linguistic Intelligence:

Use the following activities and techniques for students and groups with high linguistic intelligence:

• Use creative writing activities such as poetry or scriptwriting
• Set up class debates

• Allow for formal speaking opportunities
• Use humor, such as joke writing or telling
• Make sure there are plenty of reading opportunities

Learning with Linguistic Intelligence:

Learn your best by writing, practicing speeches, creating jokes, journaling, and reading.

2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

Logical-mathematical intelligence is commonly thought of as “scientific thinking,” or the ability to reason, work with abstract symbols, recognize patterns, and see connections between separate pieces of information. It makes it possible to go through the scientific process of calculating, quantifying, hypothesizing, and concluding.

This type of intelligence is high in scientists, mathematicians, computer programmers, lawyers, and accountants.

Teaching for Logical-Mathematical Intelligence:

Use the following activities and techniques for students and groups with high logical-mathematical intelligence:

• Provide opportunities for problem-solving
• Involve calculations
• Create activities that involve deciphering a code
• Use pattern or logic games
• Organize new information in an outline format

Learning with Logical-Mathematical Intelligence:

Learn your best by creating information outlines with points, and making patterns of the information.

3. Visual-Spatial Intelligence

Visual-spatial intelligence is all about the visual arts, graphics, and architecture. This type of intelligence allows people to visualize objects from different perspectives and in different ways, use objects within space, form mental images, and think in three-dimensions.

People high in visual-spatial intelligence include painters, architects, graphic designers, pilots, and sailors.

Teaching for Visual-Spatial Intelligence:

Use the following activities and techniques for students and groups with high

visual-spatial intelligence:

• Use mind mapping techniques
• Use guided visualizations or verbal imagery
• Provide opportunities for artistic expression using a variety of mediums (paint, clay, etc.)
• Allow for make-believe or fantasy
• Create collages for visual representations

Learning with Visual-Spatial Intelligence:

Learn your best by creating something visual using space such as a collage, art piece, or written map of the information.

4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the ability to use the body to express emotion, play games, or create new products. It is commonly referred to as “learning by doing.” This type of intelligence enables people to manipulate objects and the body.

High bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is common in dancers, athletes, surgeons and artisans.

Teaching for Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence:

Use the following activities and techniques for students and groups with high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:

• Use body sculpture
• Use of role-playing, miming, or charade games
• Allow for physical exercise, dance, or martial arts
• Create opportunities for dramatic arts such as skits
• Use human graphs

Learning with Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence:

To learn at your best, try creating a movement routine or role-play to learn a concept or remember information.

5. Musical Intelligence

Musical intelligence is all about music. Individuals with high musical intelligence have a greater knowledge of and sensitivity to tone, rhythm, pitch, and melody. But this type of intelligence isn’t just about music — it’s also about sensitivity to the human voice, audio patterns, and sounds in the environment.

Composers, musicians, conductors, and sound directors all have high musical intelligence.

Teaching for Musical Intelligence:

Use the following activities and techniques for students and groups with high musical intelligence:

• Use instruments and instrument sounds
• Use environmental sounds to illustrate a concept
• Allow for musical composition and performance
• Allow students to create songs about a topic

Learning with Musical Intelligence:

To learn best with your musical intelligence, try making a song with content you need to know.

6. Interpersonal Intelligence

Interpersonal intelligence is all about working with others and communicating effectively with others both verbally and nonverbally. It involves the ability to notice distinctions in others’ moods, temperaments, intentions, and motivations.

High interpersonal intelligence is often found in teachers, counselors, politicians, and religious leaders.

Teaching for Interpersonal Intelligence:

Use the following activities and techniques for students and groups with high interpersonal intelligence:

• Teach collaborative skills
• Provide plenty of group work opportunities
• Use person-person communication 
• Use empathy

Learning with Interpersonal Intelligence:

To learn best with high interpersonal intelligence, try doing most of your work in a group or with another person. Try to put yourself in the shoes of people or situations you are learning about.

7. Intrapersonal Intelligence

Intrapersonal intelligence involves knowledge of the self in ways such as feelings, a range of emotional responses, and intuition about spirituality. This type of intelligence allows people to be conscious of the unconscious and to discern higher patterns of connection between things in our world.

Teaching for Intrapersonal Intelligence:

Use the following activities and techniques for students and groups with high intrapersonal intelligence:

• Practice  meditation
• Allow for plenty of self-reflection
• Use mindfulness 
• Practice reaching altered states of consciousness

Learning with Intrapersonal Intelligence:

To learn best with intrapersonal intelligence, try using mindful walks, meditation, and metacognition.

8. Naturalist Intelligence

Naturalist intelligence is about discerning, comprehending, and appreciating plants, animals, the atmosphere, and the earth. It involves knowing how to care for animals, live off the land, classify species, and understand systems in nature.

High naturalist intelligence is seen in farmers, zookeepers, botanists, nature guides, veterinarians, cooks, and landscapers/gardeners.

Teaching for Naturalist Intelligence:

Use the following activities and techniques for students and groups with high

naturalist intelligence:

• Practice conservation
• Have a classroom plant or animals to care of
• Observe nature, go on nature walks
• Use species classification
• Provide hands-on labs of natural materials

Learning with Naturalist Intelligence:

To learn at your best, do your learning outdoors. Work with natural materials or animals as much as possible to work through concepts.

Classroom Layout

The best way to layout a classroom to support multiple intelligences is to have places in the room that works for each type of intelligence.

For linguistic intelligence, there should be a quiet area for reading, writing, and practicing speeches.

For logical-mathematical intelligence, there should be an area where students can conduct scientific experiments.

For visual-spatial intelligence, include an open area for object manipulation or art creation.

For bodily-kinesthetic intelligences, an open area for body movement could be provided.

For musical intelligence, including a separate area for music listening and creating, perhaps with soundproofing or headphones.

For naturalistic intelligence, outdoor space or indoor aquarium or terrarium could be provided.

For interpersonal intelligence, there should be an area with large tables for group work, while for intrapersonal intelligence there should be areas for individual activities.