MULTIPLE

INTELLIGENCE
Multiple intelligence helps break the myth that some students cannot learn or are slow. It
acknowledges the fact that each of us learn in different ways. When we are taught in a way
in which we can learn effectively, the process of learning becomes fun and retention of what
is learnt is higher.

Howard Gardner's Eight Intelligences

Howard Gardner, proposed the theory of multiple intelligences. He stated that there are
multiple types of human intelligence, each representing different ways of processing
information. Gardner has outlined eight intelligences based on which people learn. We
may learn well in more than one way.
 1. Verbal-linguistic intelligence

Description
Enjoy reading, writing, memorizing and speaking. They often use language to represent
ideas, to express feelings and to persuade others.

Characteristics
Think and innovate linguistically most of the time.
Can hear words, phrases and sentences in their minds as they are being read silently
Enjoying reading/writing to relax
Writes notes as memory aid
Writes to communicate ideas
Enjoys discovering new words

Teaching activities
Lectures, discussions, word games, storytelling, reading aloud, journal writing.

Teaching materials
Books, tapes, recorders, typewriters, audio books.
 2. Logical-mathematical intelligence

Description
Like order and structure, sorting, classifying and experimenting. They enjoy reasoning,
logical thinking, handling mathematical problems.

Characteristics
Seeks new logical information, uses logical means to describe things, ideas and
emotions
Finds logical significance to natural and/or mechanical phenomena, such as landscapes,
social events, how machines work
Can predict what comes next in logical units
Uses logical symbol systems to communicate ideas

Teaching activities
Brainteasers, problem solving, science experiments, mental calculations,
number games, critical thinking.

Teaching materials
Math games, science equipment
 3. Visual-spatial intelligence

Description
Ability to comprehend maps and other types of graphical information. They love creating,
designing, experimenting with shapes and colours.

Characteristics
Enjoys creating and interpreting visual images
Imagines in spatial form (visual arrays , color, lines, forms, balance, light)
Reacts with pleasure to information in spatial form (photographs, graphs, paintings, maps)
Seeks information using spatial terms such as color, movement, line
Can interpret novel spatial forms (painting or photo one has never seen before)

Teaching activities
Visual presentations, art activities, imagination games, mind-mapping, metaphor,
visualization

Teaching materials
Graphs, maps, videos, blocks, art materials, optical illusions, cameras, picture library
 4. Naturalist intelligence

Description
Seeing patterns in the way nature works and classifying things in the natural environment.
The ability to understand nature, identify and distinguish among different types of
plants, animals,

Characteristics
Notices patterns and rhythms from their surroundings easily – observing likes,
differences, similarities, or anomalies.
Can pinpoint things in their surroundings or environments others often miss.
Has a sharp memory for details, often observing and easily remembering things from
his/her environment and surroundings.
Has keen senses (sight, hearing, sense of touch and smell, and may even have a well
developed “sixth sense”)
Appreciates being outside and doing things like gardening, camping, etc and likes animals.

Teaching activities
Nature study, ecological awareness, care of animals

Teaching materials
Plants, animals, naturalists tools, gardening tools
 5. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence

Description
Learn by feeling and expressing things physically; doing hands-on work.

Characteristics
Good at activities that involve movements of bodies
An excellent physical coordination - active and agile with their bodily functions
Prefer to learn by doing things rather than hearing or seeing
Motor control, hand-eye coordination and muscle coordination
Possess an ability to create things and patterns with their hands

Teaching activities
Hands on learning, drama, dance, sports

Teaching materials
Building tool, clay, sports equipment
 6. Interpersonal intelligence

Description
Ability to understand the feelings, needs and purposes of others. They enjoy organizing
activities involving other people.

Characteristics
Prefers interacting with others and relates well with peers
Recognizes others' resources
Is able to engage cooperatively with others
Helps others in need when appropriate
Demonstrates conscious awareness of relationship dynamics including respecting others
values and boundaries
Is comfortable in group situations and one-to-one situations
Uses interaction with others (including in one's head) to relax

Teaching activities
Cooperative learning, peer tutoring, community involvement, social gatherings, simulations

Teaching materials
Board games, party supplies, props for role plays
 7. Intrapersonal intelligence

Description
Ability to understand own interior thoughts and feelings in a clear manner.

Characteristics
Introverted
Prefers working alone
Self-aware
Often thinks of self-employment
Enjoys journaling
Intuitive
Spends time thinking and reflecting
Likes learning about self

Teaching activities
Individualized instruction, independent study, options in course of study

Teaching materials
Self checking materials, journals, materials for projects.
 8. Musical intelligence

Description
Musical intelligence enables individuals to produce and make meaning of different types
of sound.

Characteristics
Use music as a memory aid (sings items on the grocery list to familiar song)
Can repeat rhythmic patterns, simple melodies
Finds musical significance to natural and/or mechanical phenomena, such as ocean
waves, wind, birds, metal dangling, etc.
Seeks new ways to express self in musical ways
Creates musical instruments from ordinary items (oven racks, pots, silverware, glasses)
Differentiates styles of music and discerns patterns of similarity, though not necessarily
with words
Thinks in music without conscious translation

Teaching activities
Rhythmic learning, rapping, using songs that teach

Teaching materials
Tape recorder, tape collection, musical instruments.
Multiple Education Assessment:
Here is an interesting Multiple Intelligence Assessment by Edutopia. Use this link to
access the quiz. http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-assessment

References:
Armstrong, Thomas: Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, 3rd Edition: Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development.
URL: http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/109007/chapters/MI-Theory-and-Curriculum-
Development.aspx . Accessed on: 19th September, 2015

Miller, Lynda: Characteristics and Strategies for Different Learning Styles (Intelligences):
The Smart Profile : California State University Sacremento. URL: http://www.csus.edu/
indiv/p/pfeiferj/edte305/LearningStyle.html . Accessed on: 20th September, 2015