Multiple Intelligences - Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences
http://psychology.about.com/od/educationalpsychology/ss/multiple-intell.htm
Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences
By Kendra Cherry, About.com Guide
What Are Multiple Intelligences?
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. One
such conception is the theory of multiple intelligences proposed by Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner.
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."1 Gardner proposed that there are eight intelligences, and has
suggested the possible addition of a ninth known as “existentialist intelligence”2.
In order to capture the full range of abilities and talents that people possess, Gardner suggests that people do
not have just one intellectual capacity, but have many different intelligences including musical, interpersonal,
spatial-visual and linguistic intelligences3
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
research4.
Despite this, the theory of multiple intelligences enjoys considerable popularity with educators. Many teachers
utilize multiple intelligences in their teaching philosophy and work to integrate Gardner’s theory into the
classroom.
Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Strengths: Visual and Spatial Judgment
People who are strong in visual-spatial intelligence are good a visualizing things. These individuals are often
good with directions as well as maps, charts, videos and pictures.
Characteristics of Visual-Spatial Intelligence
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
Architect
Artist
Engineer
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 of Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence
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
Writer / Journalist
1
Lawyer
Teacher
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 analyze problems. These individuals tend to think conceptually about numbers, relationships and
patterns.
Characteristics of Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
Excellent problem-solving skills
Enjoys thinking about abstract ideas
Likes conducting scientific experiments
Good and solving complex computations
Potential Career Choices
Scientist
Mathematician
Computer programmer
Engineer
Accountant
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 of Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Good at dancing and sports
Enjoy creating things with their hands
Excellent physical coordination
Tends to remember by doing, rather than hearing or seeing
Potential Career Choices
Dancer
Builder
Sculptor
Actor
Musical Intelligence
Strengths: Rhythm and Music
People who have strong musical intelligence are good and thinking in patterns, rhythms and sounds. They
have a strong appreciation for music and are often good at musical composition and performance.
Characteristics of Musical Intelligence
Enjoy 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
Musician
Composer
Singer
Music Teacher
Conductor
2
Interpersonal Intelligence
Strengths: Understanding and Relating to Other People
Those who have strong interpersonal intelligence are good understanding and interacting with other people.
These individuals are skilled at assessing the emotions, motivations, desires and intentions of those around
them.
Characteristics of Interpersonal Intelligence
Good at communicating verbally
Skilled nonverbal communicators
See situations from different perspectives
Create positive relationships with others
Good at resolving conflict in groups
Potential Career Choices
Psychologist
Philosopher
Counselor
Sales person
Politician
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 day-dreaming, exploring
relationships with others and assessing their personal strengths.
Characteristics of Intrapersonal Intelligence
Good at analyzing their strengths and weaknesses
Enjoys analyzing theories and ideas
Excellent self-awareness
Clearly understands the basis for their own motivations and feelings
Potential Career Choices
Philosopher
Writer
Theorist
Scientist
Naturalistic Intelligence
Strengths: Finding Patters and Relationships to Nature
Naturalistic is the most recent addition to Gardner’s theory 5 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 interesting 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 of Naturalistic Intelligence
Interested in subjects such as botany, biology and zoology
Good at categorizing and cataloguing 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
o Biologist
o Conservationist
o Gardener
o Farmer
References:
3
1
Gardner, H. (1983) Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books.
2
Gardner, H. (2004). A Multiplicity of Intelligences. http://www.howardgardner.com/Papers/documents/T-101%20A%20Multiplicity%20REVISED.pdf
3
Gardner, H. (2001). The Three Faces of Intelligence. http://www.howardgardner.com/Papers/documents/T-101%20A%20Multiplicity%20REVISED.pdf
4
Waterhouse, L. (2006a). Multiple Intelligences, the Mozart Effect, and Emotional Intelligence: A critical review. Educational Psychologist, 41(4), Fall 2006, pp. 207-225.
5
Gardner, H. (1999). Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century. New York: Basic Books.
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Multiple Intelligences in the ESL Classroom
By Kenneth Beare,
http://esl.about.com/od/teachingenglish/a/l_multiple.htm
The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at
Harvard University. Here is a discussion of the eight different intelligences Dr. Gardner proposes and their
relationship to the ESL / EFL classroom. Each explanation is followed by lesson plans or exercises which can
be used in class.
Verbal / Linguistic
Explanation and understanding through the use of words.
This is the most common means of teaching. In the most traditional sense, the teacher teaches and the students
learn. However, this can also be turned around and students can help each other understand concepts. While
teaching to other types of intelligences is extremely important, this type of teaching focuses on using language
and will continue to play the primary role in learning English.
Example Lesson Plans
(re)Introducing Phrasal Verbs to ESL Students
Comparative and Superlative Forms
Countable and Uncountable Nouns - Noun Quantifiers
Reading - Using Context
Visual / Spatial
Explanation and comprehension through the use of pictures, graphs, maps, etc.
This type of learning gives students visual clues to help them remember language. In my opinion, the use of
visual, spatial and situational clues is probably the reason learning a language in an English speaking country
(Canada, USA, England, etc.) is the most effective way to learn English.
Example Lesson Plans
Business Lesson Describing Trends
Using Colored Pens Drawing in the Classroom - Expressions
Finish the Alphabet - Adjective Recognition
Vocabulary Charts
Body / Kinesthetic
4
Ability to use the body to express ideas, accomplish tasks, create moods, etc.
This type of learning combines physical actions with linguistic responses and are very helpful for tying
language to actions. In other words, repeating "I'd like to pay by credit card." in a dialogue is much less
effective than having a student act out a role-play in which he pulls out his wallet and says, "I'd like to pay by
credit card."
Example Lesson Plans
Lego Building Blocks
Young Learner's Games for ESL Classes - Simon Says
Telephone English
Interpersonal
Ability to get along with others, work with others to accomplish tasks.
Group learning is based on interpersonal skills. Not only do students learn while speaking to others in an
"authentic" setting, they develop English speaking skills while reacting to others. Obviously, not all learners
have excellent interpersonal skills. For this reason, group work needs to balanced with other activities.
Example Lesson Plans
Conversation Lesson: Multinationals - Help or Hindrance?
Creating a New Society
Guilty - Fun Classroom Conversation Game
Let's Do Tourism
Logical / Mathematical
Use of logic and mathematical models to represent and work with ideas.
Grammar analysis falls into this type of learning style. Many teachers feel that English teaching syllabi are too
loaded towards grammar analysis which has little to do with communicative ability. Nonetheless, using a
balanced approach, grammar analysis has it's place in the classroom. Unfortunately, because of certain
standardized teaching practices, this type of teaching sometimes tends to dominate the classroom.
Example Lesson Plans
Match-up!
English Grammar Review
Different Uses of "Like"
Conditional Statements - Reviewing the First and Second Conditional
Musical
Ability to recognize and communicate using melody, rhythm, and harmony.
This type of learning is sometimes underestimated in ESL classrooms. If you keep in mind that English is a
very rhythmic language because of its tendency to accent only certain words, you'll recognize that music plays
a role in the classroom as well.
5
Example Lesson Plans
Grammar Chants
Music in the Classroom
Practicing Stress and Intonation
Tongue Twisters
Intrapersonal
Learning through self-knowledge leading to understanding of motives, goals, strengths and weaknesses.
This intelligence is essential for long-term English learning. Students who are aware of these types of issues
will be able to deal with underlying issues that can improve or hamper English usage.
Example Lesson Plans
Setting ESL Objectives
English Learning Goals Quiz
Environmental
Ability to recognize elements of and learn from the natural world around us.
Similar to visual and spatial skills, Environmental intelligence will help students master English required to
interact with their environment.
Example Lesson Plan
Global English
In UVM/ICELT/ESL Articles Folder
Train your brain!
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