Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner was disturbed by the classroom emphasis on linguistic and logical-mathematical symbolization. While they are obviously important, other symbols also figure prominently in human cognitive activity. This led Gardner to a conceptualization of human intellect that was more capacious. He identified eight major intelligences (although there is rumor of a ninth). They are:

This system of understanding how people learn has nothing to do with labeling people as being a specific type. We use all of the intelligences—it is just that some are stronger in us than others. While personality types are what a person is most of the time, multiple intelligences are strategies for teaching. By using a variety of intelligences with your clients, you assist in their comprehension and ensure greater compliance.

The following information is excerpted and adapted from the book Eight Ways of Teaching: The Artistry of Teaching with Multiple Intelligences, by David Lazear.c 1991, 1999 by SkyLight Training and Publishing, Inc. Reprinted by permission of SkyLight Professional Development.

The Eight Intelligences

Verbal/Linguistic

This intelligence processes information through written, spoken and reading aspects of language. The capacities include: understanding the order and meaning of words; convincing someone of a course of action; explaining, teaching and learning; humor; memory and recall; and metalinguistic analysis. It uses such tools as essays, debates, public speaking, poetry, conversation, creative writing and linguistic-based humor. This intelligence can be seen in poets, playwrights, storytellers, novelists, public speakers and comedians.

Bodily/Kinesthetic

Relates to physical movement and the innate wisdom of the body. It includes using the body to express emotion, to play sports, invent things and do things by memory (e.g., riding a bicycle). The capacities include: expanding awareness through the body; miming abilities; mind/body connection; improved body functions; control of preprogrammed movements; and control of voluntary movements. It uses tools such as dance, drama, physical games, mime, role-play, body language and exercise. This intelligence can be seen in actors, athletes, mimes, dancers and inventors.

Logical/Mathematical

Often called scientific thinking, it embodies pattern recognition, working with symbols and solving problems. The capacities include: inductive reasoning; deductive reasoning; discerning relationships and connections; performing complex calculations; and scientific reasoning. It uses tools such as problem-solving, calculation, logic, numbers and geometrical shapes. This intelligence can be seen in scientists, programmers, accountants, lawyers, bankers and mathematicians.

Musical/Rhythmic

Occurs through hearing, sound, tonal patterns, vibration and rhythm. The capacities include: creating melody and rhythm; structure of music; schemas for hearing music; sensitivity to sounds; and sensing qualities of a tone. It uses tools such as singing, musical instruments, tonal associations and environmental sounds. This intelligence can be seen in musicians, composers and music teachers.

Visual/Spatial

Relies on the sense of sight (physically seeing something) as well as internal vision (visualizing an object). The capacities include: accurate perception from different angles; recognizing relationships of objects in space; graphic representation; image manipulation; finding your way in space; forming mental images; and active imagination. It uses tools such as drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, montage, visualization, imagination and pretending. This intelligence can be seen in architects, draftspersons, film directors and artists.

Intrapersonal

Relates to inner states of being, self-reflection, metacognition and spirituality. The capacities include: concentration of the mind; metacognition; awareness and expression of different feelings; mindfulness; transpersonal sense of the self; and higher order thinking and reasoning. It uses tools such as journals, affective processing, teaching for transfer and self-esteem practices. This intelligence can be seen in philosophers, psychiatrists, spiritual counselors and cognitive pattern researchers.

Interpersonal

Operates primarily through person-to-person relating, communication, teamwork and collaboration. The capacities include: creating and maintaining synergy; discerning underlying intentions, behavior and perspectives; passing into the perspective of another; working cooperatively in a group; sensitivity to others' moods, motives and feelings; and verbal and non-verbal communication. It uses tools such as cooperative learning, empathy, social skills, team competitions and group projects. This intelligence can be seen in teachers, counselors, therapists, politicians and religious leaders.

Naturalist

Deals with the recognition, appreciation and understanding of flora and fauna. The capacities include: communion with nature; caring for, taming and interacting with wild creatures; sensitivity to nature's flora; recognizing and classifying species; and growing natural things. It uses tools such as hands-on labs, field trips, sensory stimulation and classifying natural patterns. This intelligence can be seen in farmers, zoologists, gardeners, cooks, veterinarians, nature guides, animal trainers and rangers.