Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences proposes that there are seven distinct types of intelligence rather than a single general intelligence. The seven intelligences are linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Traditionally, schools have focused primarily on linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences, but Gardner argues all seven should be recognized and developed. Understanding students' varied intelligences can help teachers develop more effective lessons and better evaluate student learning.

1. Howard Gardner’s Theory of
Multiple Intelligences
By Marie Louise Lawson
Library Media Specialist
Satellite Independent Schools

2. What is this theory?
 Breaks down seven different
“intelligences” to categorize talents and
skills
 Gardner: “Seven kinds of intelligence
would allow seven ways to teach, rather
than one.”
 All seven are necessary, but only two are
generally recognized in school settings.

3. The Seven Intelligences
 Linguistic
 Logical-Mathematical
 Musical
 Bodily-Kinesthetic
 Spatial
 Interpersonal
 Intrapersonal

4. Linguistic Intelligence
 Typically valued in schools
 Sensitivity to language
– Response to both written and spoken
 Ability to learn language
 Ability to use language as expression
 Examples: writers, poets, lawyers,
speakers

5. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
 Also typically valued in schools
 Analyze problems logically
 Adept at mathematical operations
 Solve problems scientifically
 “Detect patterns, reason deductively and
think logically”

6. Musical Intelligence
 Associated with the arts
 Performance and composition skills
 Appreciation of musical patterns
 Recognize and compose pitch, tone and
rhythm
 “Runs in an almost structural parallel to
linguistic intelligence”

7. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
 Also generally associated with the arts
 Use of one’s body to solve problems
– Whole body or parts of the body
 Use of mental abilities to coordinate
movement
 Mental and physical activity are related

8. Spatial Intelligence
 Generally connected with the arts
 Recognize and use patterns of space
 Space in wide or confined areas
 More than visual
– Includes abstract analytical abilities
– Goes beyond simply seeing images

9. Interpersonal Intelligence
 What Gardner calls a “personal
intelligence”
 Understanding of other people
– Intentions, motivations, and desires
 Work effectively with others
 Particularly critical in education
 Examples: educators, salespeople, political
leaders, counsellors

10. Intrapersonal Intelligence
 Another “personal intelligence”
 Understanding of oneself
– Appreciate our feelings, fears & motivations
 Effective working model of ourselves
 Helps to regulate our lives

11. What does this mean for teachers?
 More to consider when evaluating students
– How students learn
– What will benefit students
 More to consider when planning effective
curriculum-based lessons
– How curriculum matches up with student learning
 Helps teachers think about the learning process
 Gives teachers a greater understanding of
student learning

12. Acknowledgements
 Research:
– Smith, Mark K. (2008) “Howard Gardner and Multiple
Intelligences.” The Encyclopedia of Informal
Education. http://
www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm.
– Grow, Gerald. “Spatial Intelligence” Writing and
Multiple Intelligences.
http://www.longleaf.net/ggrow/7In/Spatial.html
 Special Thanks to:
– Teachers and participants in today’s in-service
– Mr. Ronald McDonald, Principal