The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

This theory of human intelligence, developed by psychologist Howard Gardner and known as Gardners’ Multiple Intelligences Theory, suggests there are at least seven ways that people have of perceiving and understanding the world. Gardner labels each of these ways a distinct ‘intelligence’ — in other words, a set of skills allowing individuals to find and resolve genuine problems they face.

Gardner defines an “intelligence” as a group of abilities that:

Curriculum –Traditional schooling heavily favors the verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences. Gardner suggests a more balanced curriculum that incorporates the arts, self-awareness, communication, and physical education.

Instruction — Gardner advocates instructional methods that appeal to all the intelligences, including role playing, musical performance, cooperative learning, reflection, visualization, story telling, and so on.

Assessment — This theory calls for assessment methods that take into account the diversity of intelligences, as well as self-assessment tools that help students understand their intelligences. While Gardner suggests his list of intelligences may not be exhaustive, he originally identified the following seven:

Verbal-Linguistic — The ability to use words and language
Logical-Mathematical — The capacity for inductive and deductive thinking and reasoning, as well as the use of numbers and the recognition of abstract patterns
Visual-Spatial — The ability to visualize objects and spatial dimensions, and create internal images and pictures
Body-Kinesthetic — The wisdom of the body and the ability to control physical motion
Musical-Rhythmic — The ability to recognize tonal patterns and sounds, as well as a sensitivity to rhythms and beats
Interpersonal — The capacity for person-to-person communications and relationships
Intrapersonal — The spiritual, inner states of being, self-reflection, and awareness