Multiple Intelligences Theory PDF

# Multiple Intelligences Theory The concept of multiple intelligences is a theory proposed by Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner. When you hear the word intelligence, the concept of IQ testing may immediately come to mind. Intelligence is often defined as our intellectual potential: something we ar...

# Multiple Intelligences Theory The concept of multiple intelligences is a theory proposed by Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner. When you hear the word intelligence, the concept of IQ testing may immediately come to mind. Intelligence is often defined as our intellectual potential: something we are born with, something that can be measured, and a capacity that is difficult to change. In recent years, however, other views of intelligence have emerged including Gardner's suggestion that multiple different types of intelligence may exist. 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. ## The Kinds of Multiple Intelligences 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”) ### 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. ### 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.