Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q. testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults. These intelligences are:



Linguistic intelligence ("word smart"):
Logical-mathematical intelligence ("number/reasoning smart")
Spatial intelligence ("picture smart")
Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence ("body smart")
Musical intelligence ("music smart")
Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart")
Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart")
Naturalist intelligence ("nature smart")

Dr. Gardner says that our schools and culture focus most of their attention on linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence. We esteem the highly articulate or logical people of our culture. However, Dr. Gardner says that we should also place equal attention on individuals who show gifts in the other intelligences: the artists, architects, musicians, naturalists, designers, dancers, therapists, entrepreneurs, and others who enrich the world in which we live.

So how can teachers apply MI in their classroom activities:

Verbal-Linguistic

choral speaking
declarizing
storytelling
retelling
speaking
debating
presenting
reading aloud
dramatizing
book making
nonfiction reading
researching
listening
process writing
writing journals

Logical-Mathematical

problem solving
measuring
coding
sequencing
critical thinking
predicting
playing logic games
collecting data
experimenting
solving puzzles
classifying
using manipulatives
learning the scientific model
using money
using geometry

Visual-Spatial

graphing
photographing
making visual metaphors
making visual analogies
mapping stories
making 3D projects
painting
illustrating
using charts
using organizers
visualizing
sketching
patterning
visual puzzles

Bodily-Kinesthetic

hands on experiments
activities
changing room arrangement
creative movement
going on field trips
physical education activities
crafts
dramatizing
using cooperative groups
dancing

Musical

humming
rapping
playing background music
patterns
form
playing instruments
tapping out poetic rhythms
rhyming
singing

Interpersonal

classroom parties
peer editing
cooperative learning
sharing
group work
forming clubs
peer teaching
social awareness
conflict mediation
discussing
cross age tutoring
study group
brainstorming

Intrapersonal

personal response
individual study
personal goal setting
individual projects
journal log keeping
personal choice in projects
independent reading

Naturalistic

reading outside
cloud watching
identifying insects
building habitats
identifying plants
using a microscope
dissecting
going on a nature walk
build a garden
studying the stars
bird watching
collecting rocks
making bird feeders
going to the zoo