Concept to Classroom: Tapping into multiple intelligences

Welcome to Tapping into Multiple Intelligences. Hopefully, you'll tap into a few of your own intelligences to learn about this important theory. Start here in the Explanation section, which is all about the CONCEPT. Then go on to Demonstration, where we move from CONCEPT to CLASSROOM!

What is the theory of multiple intelligences (M.I.)?

How does this theory differ from the traditional definition of intelligence?

What do multiple intelligences have to do with my classroom?

How has M.I. theory developed since it was introduced in 1983?

Who are the critics of this theory and what do they say?

What are some benefits of using the multiple intelligences approach

in my school?

How can applying M.I. theory help students learn better?

How can I find out more about M.I. theory?

What is the theory of multiple intelligences (M.I.)?

An intelligence is the ability to solve problems, or to create products, that are

valued

within one or more cultural settings.

Howard Gardner claims that all human beings have multiple intelligences. These multiple intelligences can be nurtured and strengthened, or ignored and weakened. He believes each individual has nine intelligences:

Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence -- well-developed verbal skills and sensitivity to the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words

Mathematical-Logical Intelligence -- ability to think conceptually and abstractly, and capacity to discern logical or numerical patterns

Musical Intelligence -- ability to produce and appreciate rhythm, pitch and timber

Visual-Spatial Intelligence -- capacity to think in images and pictures, to visualize accurately and abstractly

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence -- ability to control one's body movements and to handle objects skillfully

Interpersonal Intelligence -- capacity to detect and respond appropriately to the moods, motivations and desires of others.

Intrapersonal Intelligence -- capacity to be self-aware and in tune with inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking processes

Naturalist Intelligence -- ability to recognize and categorize plants, animals and other objects in nature

Existential Intelligence -- sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here.

Howard Gardner¹ defined the first seven intelligences in FRAMES OF MIND (1983). He added the last two in INTELLIGENCE REFRAMED (1999). Gardner is a psychologist and Professor at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, as well as Co-Director of Harvard Project Zero.

Based on his study of many people from many different walks of life in everyday circumstances and professions, Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences. He performed interviews with and brain research on hundreds of people, including stroke victims, prodigies, autistic individuals, and so-called "idiot savants."

According to Gardner,

All human beings possess all nine intelligences in varying amounts.
Each person has a different intellectual composition.
We can improve education by addressing the multiple intelligences of our students.
These intelligences are located in different areas of the brain and can either work independently or together.
These intelligences may define the human species.

To help understand how you learn best, take this short Multiple Intelligences Self-Inventory. There are just a few questions to answer, which should take approximately five minutes to complete.

Click here to see our Multiple Intelligences animation

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