MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE The Theory of Multiple Intelligences was first presented in 1983 by Howard Gardner, a psychologist, when he published his book Frames of Mind. He declared that learning occurred through many types of intelligences, and that people had various levels of each, 1. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence The ability to manipulate both the body and objects with a keen sense of timing is known as bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. These people are able to accurately manipulate objects due to a strong mind-body union. This can be demonstrated in the form of physical skills, for example, athletes and dancers, or in precision and steady movement, such as surgeons and crafts people. Let bodily-kinesthetic students act out a skit, do a dance, or physically simulate a scientific process. Use manipulatives in math, have them build a model with clay, or create a collage about an important concept. 2. Existential Intelligence The ability to be able to have deep discussions about the meaning of life and human existence is known as existential intelligence. People with this intelligence are sensitive but can rationally address difficult questions, for example, how we got here and why everyone eventually dies. 3. Interpersonal Intelligence While the ability to communicate effectively with others is common knowledge on the basis of interpersonal intelligence, it is not merely limited to verbal interactions. People with developed interpersonal intelligence are also able to read the moods of others. Sensitivity to temperaments and the ability to communicate nonverbally allow these individuals to understand differences in perspectives. Because they can often accurately assess the sentiments and motivations of others, these individuals make good social workers, teachers, and actors. These learners are usually the ones who speak up frequently. Take advantage of that chatty energy through class discussions or group work, let them teach the class, or use technology to have them interact with others via Skype, chat, etc. 4. Intrapersonal Intelligence The ability to understand one’s own thoughts is known as intrapersonal intelligence. Individuals who demonstrate intrapersonal intelligence are acutely aware of their feelings and can show an appreciation for themselves and other humans. Often misconstrued as “shy,” these people are actually self-motivated and able to use their understanding to direct the course of their own lives. Philosophers, psychologists and religious leaders may all show high levels of intrapersonal intelligence Give these students assignments that challenge them to make connections between their personal experiences and the class subject. Blogs, journals, and essays on personal topics are common tasks, but these students can also benefit from metacognitive assignments, that is, encouraging them to think about their own learning styles and processes. 5. Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence The ability to express oneself using words and language is known as verbal-linguistic intelligence. This intelligence is unique because it is the most commonly shared human ability. It allows us to apply meaning to words and express appreciation for complex phrases. Through reading, writing and sharing stories orally, we are able to marvel at our use of language. We see examples of this skill in journalists, poets, and public speakers Ask students to write a story about what they’re studying. If they’re learning a process, have them write an instruction manual or give a “how to” speech. Writing scripts, making videos, or designing a brochure are other good activities for this intelligence. 6. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence Sometimes misconstrued as simply the ability to calculate mathematical equations, logicalmathematical intelligence is much more than that. Individuals with this developed intelligence demonstrate excellent reasoning skills, abstract thought, and the ability to infer based on patterns. They are able to make connections based on their prior knowledge and are drawn to categorization, patterning, and relationships between ideas. With experiments and strategy games as two coveted activities, it would make sense that possible careers would include a scientist, a mathematician, and a detective. Beyond doing math problems, this intelligence focuses on logical reasoning and problem solving. Can students conduct a survey and graph or chart the results? For English or history classes, use a debate to teach the basics of logic and rhetoric. Ask students to function the way a real-life scientist does – using logic and/or math to solve a problem https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/solar-system-bead-activity/ 7. Musical Intelligence The ability to acutely reflect on sounds is demonstrated by those who possess musical intelligence. These people are able to distinguish between specific pitches, tones and rhythms that other may miss. Someone with musical intelligence is often a sensitive listener, and can reflect or reproduce music quite accurately. Musicians, conductors, composers, and vocalists all demonstrate keen musical intelligence. As young adults, we can witness these people humming or drumming to a self-directed rhythm. Musical intelligence is also closely related to mathematical intelligence, as they share a similar thinking process. These students may be gifted musicians, but they also tend to have a good ear for rhythms and a sense of patterns. Consider musical activities such as having them create a rap song about their subject or make connections between sound/music and the information you are teaching. For example, ask students to choose three pieces of music – one that represents a solid, one that represents a liquid, and one that represents a gas. Have them play a clip of each piece of music and then explain why they chose each one – this will appeal to their interests while still allowing you to check for comprehension (e.g., the “solid” music should sound heavier than the “gas” music). These students may also enjoy creating podcasts or other auditory items. https://healthfully.com/1001411-songs-kids-sun-safety.html 8. Naturalist Intelligence A sensitivity to features in the natural world is most closely tied to what is called naturalist intelligence. The ability to distinguish between living and non-living things was notably more valuable in the past when humans were often farmers, hunters or gatherers. Nowadays, this intelligence has evolved to more modern-day roles such as a chef or a botanist. We still carry traces of naturalist intelligence, some more so than others, which is evident by our preferences for certain brands over others. Incorporate the outside world to hold these students’ attention. Field trips and project-based learning are ideal, but anything that allows them to get some fresh air and interact with plants and animals will help. Take class outside on a nice day, or invite these students to help you take care of a classroom garden. Use natural items like flowers or rocks for math manipulatives or have them write a poem about the sky. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/sunny-science-build-a-pizza-box-solar-oven/ 9. Spatial Intelligence Visually artistic people are known to demonstrate spatial intelligence. These abilities include manipulating images, graphic skills, and spatial reasoning – anything that would include more than two dimensions. They may be daydreamers or like to draw in their spare time, but also show an interest in puzzles or mazes. Careers directly linked to spatial intelligence include many artistic vocations, for example, painters, architects or sculptors, as well as careers that require the ability to visualize, such as pilots or sailors. Let these “picture-smart” students draw a diagram, illustrate a group project, or develop a PowerPoint presentation. You may want to encourage this group to use symbols or colors to help them make sense of their notes, since they may struggle with traditional notetaking methods. Graphic organizers can also help them. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2FMeridianLei sureCentre%2Fphotos%2Fhave-you-ever-tried-shadow-drawing-all-you-need-is-thesun-for-this-one-andthis%2F3054411761286664%2F&psig=AOvVaw2_gsxG899Grexx25ewz1Hy&ust=1654 Use these multiple intelligence activities and strategies to help all children in your class reach their potential: 1. Try to link all instructional objectives to at least two types of intelligences. If you’re teaching students about multiplication tables, for example, you could add visual references or teach children a song about multiplying. 2. The multiple intelligences theory is connected to multisensory learning, which teaches that children learn better with activities that involve more than one sense. Engage your students’ visual, tactile, auditory, and other senses to reach more students. 3. Incorporate all of the different multiple intelligences at least once a week. Create a weekly checklist with all eight intelligences so you make sure you’re using a comprehensive multiple intelligence strategy in class. 4. When planning interventions for struggling students, discover what their strengths are as connected to the multiple intelligences theory. If a child has strong spatial intelligence but poor linguistic skills, for example, you may be able to use their strengths to teach difficult concepts.
