Mulitple Intelligences

This content has been adapted from the Toolbox Training workshop Multiple Intelligences: Applications in Your Program. Check out the workshops tab for a full list of topics available from Toolbox Training. Dr. Howard Gardner, a Harvard University education professor, developed the theory of multiple intelligences in 1983. Instead of prescribing to the traditional notion of intelligence based on I.Q. testing, he proposed the possibility of multiple intelligences. They include:

Linguistic Intelligence

	the ability to absorb information and communicate through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Someone with this intelligence, like Liza, could be called WORD SMART. Click here to read more about this intelligence.

Mathematical/Logical Intelligence

	the ability to use numbers and reasoning effectively. Someone with this intelligence, like Max, could be called LOGIC or NUMBER SMART. Click here to read more about this intelligence.

Spatial/Visual Intelligence

	the ability to visualize and create representations of what one sees. Someone with this intelligence, like Stephon, could be called PICTURE or ART SMART. Click here to read more about this intelligence.

Body/Kinesthetic Intelligence

	the ability to understand and master both gross motor and fine motor skills. Someone with this intelligence, like Becca, could be called BODY SMART. Click here to read more about this intelligence.

Musical Intelligence

	the ability to relate to music through the enjoyment, creation, and performance of it. Someone with this intelligence, like Malcolm, could be called MUSIC SMART. Click here to read more about this intelligence.

Interpersonal Intelligence

	the ability to interact with and understand people and their behaviors. Someone with this intelligence, like Ian or Ida, could be called PEOPLE SMART Click here to read more about this intelligence.

Intrapersonal Intelligence

	the ability to understand the self, including one’s feelings and motivations. Someone with this intelligence, like Ira, could be called SELF SMART. Click here to read more about this intelligence.

Naturalistic Intelligence

	the ability to recognize, appreciate, and understand the natural world. Someone with this intelligence, like Nikita, could be called NATURE SMART. Click here to read more about this intelligence.

Resources: Thomas Armstrong: Institute4Learning.com Armstrong is one of the leading scholars on multiple intelligences. His website offers books, videos, presentations, and other resources. B. Campbell (1999). “Multiplying Intelligence in the Classroom.” New Horizons for Learning on the Beam, Vol. IX No. 2 Winter 1989 p.7:167. NewHorizons.org Campbell details how he developed centers around each of the intelligences and rotated his third grade students through them on a daily basis. Communicator Z (July 27, 2016). “9 Types of Intelligence.” Howard Gardner: MultipleIntelligencesOasis.org This is the official MI website from Howard Gardner, the man who developed the theory of multiple intelligences. Howard Gardner (1993). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York, NY: Basic Books. This is the first. Gardner’s first edition of this book, published in 1983, introduced the world to multiple intelligences. In a more scientific approach than his followers, Gardner dissects the definition of intelligence and presents his case as to why there are multiple intelligences. Howard Gardner (1993). Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice. New York, NY: Basic Books. This reader was compiled to celebrate the ten years that passed since Gardner first proposed the theory of MI. This compilation of papers and speeches that he did during that time is much more user-friendly than his first book and explores how MI can be used in teaching. Harvard University/Project Zero This is Harvard’s website devoted to multiple intelligences and Project Zero, which focuses on multiple intelligences. P. Phipps (1997). Multiple Intelligences in the Early Childhood Classroom. Columbus, OH: SRA/McGraw-Hill. This book focuses on the original seven intelligences and how to identify them in children and develop program space, materials, discipline methods, and assessment to their particular intelligences. P. Phipps (1998). Chapter 6: Tips for Success. This web page addresses how children learn by focusing on development areas and the multiple intelligences. Each intelligence is accompanied by a chart that summarizes it, suggests what children of this intelligence like, and what you can try with these children. Toolbox Training Pinterest board on multiple intelligences Dave Whitaker (2002). Multiple Intelligences & After-School Environments: Keeping All Children in Mind. Nashville, TN: School Age Notes. This book was written specifically with afterschool programs in mind. It explores how the eight intelligences can be enhanced in encouraged through activities, materials, and areas in SAC programs.