Multiple
Intelligences
How Do You Learn Best?
Howard Gardner
• 1943 - Present
• Harvard Graduate School
of Education
• “An important part of that
understanding is knowing
who we are and what we
can do... Ultimately, we
must synthesize our
understandings for
ourselves.” (Howard Gardner 1999)
Gardner’s Theory
• “…that there exists a multitude
of intelligences, quite
independent of each other; that
each intelligence has its own
strengths and constraints…”
(Gardner, 1993, xxiii)
• 8 types of “Intelligences”
– There is no single measure of
intelligence.
– Each person possesses a spectrum
of intelligences that are combined
and used in personal ways.
– Intelligences evolve with
development and application.
Verbal/Linguistic
Intelligence
• Listens and responds to the
spoken word.
• Enjoys reading, writing, and
discussing.
• Remembers what has been
said.
• Remembers what has been
read.
• Speaks and writes
effectively.
• Can learn other languages.
Verbal/Linguistic
Intelligence
• Careers:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Radio/TV Announcer
Writer
Librarian
Lawyer
Teacher
Politician
Translator
Comedian
• Study Tips:
– Detailed Notes
– Flash cards
(memorization)
– Read out loud
– Group Discussion
– Debate
Logical/Mathematical
Intelligence
• analyze problems logically
• Is familiar with the concepts
of quantity, time, and cause
and effect.
• The ability to detect
patterns, reason
deductively and think
logically.
Logical/Mathematical
Intelligence
• Careers:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Accountant
Computer programmer
Pharmacist
Scientist
Banker
Doctor
Engineer
City Planner
• Study Tips:
– Make Charts/ Graphs
of new information
– Organized Notes
based on Categories
or importance
Bodily/Kinesthetic
Intelligence
• Prefers to touch, handle, or
manipulate what is to be
learned.
• Develops coordination and a
sense of timing.
• Learns best by direct
involvement and participation.
• Remembers most clearly what
was done, rather than what
was said or observed.
Bodily/Kinesthetic
Intelligence
• Careers:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Dancer
Construction
Coach
Athlete
Architect
Mechanic
Massage Therapist
Clown
• Study Tips:
– Act out concepts
– Study with others
– Real life examples to
connect with new
concepts
Visual/Spatial Intelligence
• Learns by seeing and
observing.
• Recognizes faces, objects,
shapes, colors, details, and
scenes.
• Uses visual images as an
aid in recalling information.
• Enjoys doodling, drawing,
painting, sculpting, or
otherwise reproducing
objects in visible form.
Visual/Spatial Intelligence
• Careers:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Photographer
Landscaper
Pilot
Artist
Decorator
Fashion Designer
Makeup Artist
Surgeon
• Study Tips:
– Make pictures when
studying
– Graphs and charts to
visualize new
information
Musical Intelligence
• skill in the performance,
composition, and
appreciation of musical
patterns.
• recognize and compose
musical pitches, tones, and
rhythms.
• Develops the ability to sing
and/or play an instrument.
Musical Intelligence
• Careers:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Composer
Dancer
Disc Jockey
Figure Skater
Song Writer
Singer
Band Member
Conductor
• Study Tips:
– Listen to music while
studying
– Use Rhymes to help
remember information
– Make songs from
class notes
Interpersonal Intelligence
• Perceives the feelings,
thoughts, motivations,
behaviors, and
lifestyles of others.
• Forms and maintains
social relationships.
• It allows people to
work effectively with
others.
Interpersonal Intelligence
• Careers:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Travel Agent
Therapist
Religious Leader
Home maker
Nurse
Politician
Receptionist
Waiter
Social Worker
• Study Tips:
– Study with others
– Discussion Groups
– Blogging with
classmates about
class issues
Intrapersonal
Intelligence
• Understands oneself, and
appreciates one's feelings,
fears and motivations.
• Works independently.
• Establishes and lives by an
ethical value system.
• Strives for self-actualization.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
• Careers:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Creative Writer
Philosopher
Self Employed People
Entrepreneur
Counselor
Psychologist
Researcher
Guru
• Study Tips:
– Study Alone
– Personal incites along
with class notes to
clarify information
– Quiet surroundings
Naturalist Intelligence
• Recognizes and can
name many different
types of trees, flowers,
and plants.
• Has an interest in and
good knowledge of how
the body works and
keeps abreast of health
issues.
• Has an understanding
of, and interest in, the
main global
environmental issues.
Naturalist Intelligence
• Careers:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
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Biologist
Park Ranger
Veterinarian
Geographer
Chef
Astronomer
Environmentalist
Weather Forecaster
• Study Tips:
– Study outdoors
– Connect new
knowledge with prior
knowledge
– Focus on how
information connects
to natural
surroundings
What is your
strongest
Intelligence?
References
Casacanada.com (2000). Career areas for multiple intelligences.
Retrieved August, 15, 2009 from
http://www.casacanada.com/career.html
Laughlin, J. (2008). Multiple intelligences: helping student reach their
potential [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from
http://www.tncc.edu/vade/MULTIPLEINTELLIGENCESLAUGHLIN.ppt
Learn-source.com (2009). Types of intelligence and study habits.
Retrieved August 15, 2009 from http://www.learnsource.com/education/intelligence_type.html
Smith, M. K. (2002, 2008). 'Howard Gardner and multiple intelligences',
the encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved August, 16 2009
from http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm