1. Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner’s
Theory of Multiple Intelligences
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2. Howard Gardner
“I want my children to understand the world, but not just because the world is fascinating and the human mind is curious. I want them to understand it so that they will be positioned to make it a better place. Knowledge is not the same as morality, but we need to understand if we are to avoid past mistakes and move in productive directions. An important part of that understanding is knowing who we are and what we can do... Ultimately, we must synthesize our understandings for ourselves. The performance of understanding that try matters are the ones we carry out as human beings in an imperfect world which we can affect for good or for ill.” (Howard Gardner, 1999)
The multiple intelligences theory provides a new definition of cognitive human nature. According to Gardner, humans are organisms who possess a basic set of intelligences.
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3. People have a unique blend of intelligences
People have a unique blend of intelligences. Our greatest challenge is how to use the blend of intelligences.
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4. Eight Multiple Intelligences
Verbal linguistic
Logical-mathematical
Spatial
Musical rhythmic
Bodily-kinesthetic
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Naturalist
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5. Linguistic intelligence
Sensitive to spoken & written language
Has ability to learn languages
Uses language to accomplish goals
Uses language as a means to remember information
Examples: writers, poets, lawyers and speakers
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6. Logical-mathematical intelligence
Able to analyze problems logically
Carries out mathematical operations
Investigates issues scientifically
Able to detect patterns
Able to reason deductively & think logically
This intelligence is most often associated with scientific and mathematical thinking
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7. Spatial intelligence
Recognizes & uses the patterns or shapes in open space & in confined areas
Examples: architects, designers, engineers, employees of moving companies, retailers, etc.
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8. Musical intelligence
Skill performing, composing, & appreciating musical patterns
Able to recognize & compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms
Note: (according to Howard Gardner) musical intelligence runs in an almost structural parallel to linguistic intelligence.
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9. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
Using one's body or parts of the body to solve problems
Using mental abilities to coordinate bodily movements
Howard Gardner sees mental and physical activity as related.
Examples: athletes, dancers, actors
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10. Interpersonal intelligence
Able to understand intentions, motivations and desires of other people
Able work effectively with others
Examples: Educators, salespeople, religious and political leaders, and counselors all need a well-developed interpersonal intelligence.
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11. Intrapersonal intelligence
The capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate one's feelings, fears and motivations
Involves having an effective working model of ourselves, and to be able to use such information to regulate our lives.
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12. Naturalist intelligence
Ability to make consequential distinctions in nature—between one plant and another, among animals, clouds, mountains, and the like.
Scientist Charles Darwin had high naturalist intelligence.
Most of us no longer use our naturalist intelligence to survive in the jungle or the forest.
Our consumer culture is based on our naturalist capacity to differentiate one car make from another, one sneaker from another, and the like.
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13. Gardner said the eight intelligences rarely operate independently.
Multiple intelligences are used at the same time & complement each other as people develop skills or solve problems.
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14. These intelligences, according to Howard Gardner, can be put to constructive or destructive (amoral) use.
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15. This would allow children more ways to learn and express themselves.
Eight kinds of intelligence would allow eight ways to teach, rather than one.
This would allow children more ways to learn and express themselves.
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16. Review List the eight intelligences and give an example of each.
Go to
To find out your multiple intelligences. yourself a hard copy, print it off for homework and bring it to class tomorrow.
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17. Credits: State of North Carolina FCS
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