Multiple Intelligences

What is Multiple Intelligence? Multiple Intelligence (MI) is a celebration of the uniqueness and diversity of our students. To reach all students and to develop the diverse intelligences, teachers need to teach in many ways, providing varied learning experiences for our students.

8 Ways of Learning Verbal/Linguistic Logical/Mathematical Visual/Spatial Musical/Rhythmic Bodily/Kinesthetic Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalist

Verbal/Linguistic “Word Smart” Students … Learn through reading, writing, discussing Have a good vocabulary Spell easily Think in words Communicate effectively

Logical/Mathematical “Logic/Math Smart” Students… Think in numbers and patterns Learn to appeal to logic Use abstract symbols Solve logic problems easily

Visual/Spatial “Art/Space Smart” Students… Think in pictures and images Have a good eye for detail and color “see” solutions to problems Like to draw and create

Musical/Rhythmic “Music Smart” Students… Have a good sense of rhythm and melody Like to sing, hum, chant, and rap Enjoy listening to music Read, write, enjoy music

Bodily/Kinesthetic “Body Smart” Students… Are highly coordinated Use gestures and body language Take things apart and fix them Learn through “hands-on activities”

Interpersonal “People Smart” Students… Make and maintain friends easily Understand and respect others Resolve conflicts Like to work with others

Intrapersonal “Self Smart” Students… Need time to process information Think about their own learning Have strong opinions and beliefs Know themselves well

Naturalist “Nature Smart” Students… Are good at sorting and classifying Have keen observational skills Understand natural phenomena Garden or care for pets or animals

Why is MI important? Students learn in different ways and teachers are required to meet the needs of the students within their classrooms. With new special education laws, we are required to make modifications to our curriculum before referral. MI is one way to begin the modification process.

MI as a trend in Education The MI theory began in 1983 when Howard Gardner, a Harvard professor, began to investigate the best way for children to learn. As students become more diverse, meeting the needs of each student requires a curriculum framework. MI is a possible framework.