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: Study Tips: 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: 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.learn-source.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