1. Activity Sheet:
Background Information: Understanding Multiple Intelligences*
Howard Gardner, a Harvard professor, did pioneering research in this area. He maintains that measuring
intelligence (IQ) with one number is misleading. It leads us to believe that there is one intelligence.
According to Dr. Gardner, there are actually eight intelligences.t That is, we have eight different abilities
to pick from when solving problems. Unfortunately, many of us have been trained to use only two or
three of these. Just think of what we can do once we tap into as many of the eight intelligences as
possible!
The Eight Intelligences*
Although some of our eight intelligences are more advanced than the others, we have traces of each
intelligence. Some may be highly developed and some a little less developed. Here is Gardner's list (with
clarification in parentheses provided from the work of Thomas Armstrong).
Linguistic intelligence (word smart). You are good with the written word. You can express yourself with
language. Occupations include writer, speaker, lawyer, and teacher.
Logical mathematical intelligence (number smart). You can think abstractly and solve problems.
Logic and order are strengths for you. You understand cause and effect. Manipulation of numbers
comes easily. Occupations include scientist and mathematician.
Spatial intelligence (art smart). You can recreate your world visually. A sound sense of direction is
involved, too. Occupations include sculptor, painter, and anatomy teacher
.
Bodily—kinesthetic intelligence (body smart). You have coordinated control of your own body. There
is a strong sense of learning by movement or action. You can effectively use your hands, fingers, and
arms to make something. Occupations include athlete, actor, and dancer.
Musical intelligence (music smart). You have the ability to use the major components of music
(rhythm or pitch). You can recognize patterns and use them effectively. Occupations include musician
and dancer.
Interpersonal intelligence (people smart). You have an understanding of the mood and motives of
those with whom you associate. If you are to effectively deal with other people you must be skilled in this
intelligence. Occupations include teacher, politician, and salesperson.
Intrapersonal intelligence (me smart). You understand yourself and can apply that knowledge in real-
life situations to produce the best results. You understand what is good for you. You know who you are
and what you can do. You know what to associate with and what to avoid. Occupations include
independent contractor.
Naturalistic intelligence (nature smart). You can understand, explain, and relate to things in the
natural world around you. You have a unique ability to classify and separate items based on
characteristics. Occupations include botanist, zoologist, archaeologist, and environmentalist.
*Rhythms of College Success: A Journey of Discovery Change, and Mastery. Piscitelli, S. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, 2008, 99-100.
tGardner's groundbreaking book is entitled Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (1993).
tA ninth intelligence is being investigated—spiritual. This intelligence refers to the ability to connect with nonphysical or metaphysical stimuli. For
our purposes we will look at the first eight.
§Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom. Armstrong, T. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1994.

2. Activity Sheet:
Prioritize Your Intelligences*
NAME:_
Samantha Degen
List the intelligences in order from the one intelligence that is most developed in you to
the one that is least developed as they relate to you. Write a brief description how you
have come to believe this. Be specific (perhaps give an example that explains your
ranking).
My most (1st) developed intelligence is:_ Intrapersonal intelligence
o My evidence is:_ There is no one I know better than myself..
My 2nd most developed intelligence is:_ Naturalistic intelligence
oMy evidence is:_ I am very good with nature and living things I love
camping and going fishing.
My 3rd most developed intelligence is:_ Interpersonal intelligence
oMy evidence is:_ Whenever it comes to a problem I am the first person a friend or
family member will come for advice.
My 4th most developed intelligence is:_ Logical mathematical intelligence
oMy evidence is:_ I have always recived high scores in math while in school.
My 5th most developed intelligence is:_ Musical intelligence
oMy evidence is:_ I was in band in high school.
My 6th most developed intelligence is:_ Bodily—kinesthetic intelligence
oMy evidence is:_ I love playing sports such as basketball.
My 7th most developed intelligence is:_ Bodily—kinesthetic intelligence
oMy evidence is:_ I love writing poetry.
My 8th most developed intelligence is:_ Spatial intelligence
oMy evidence is :_ I was not so good in art class but I had I fun time with it.
Finally, what insights can you draw from this activity? The insight I can draw from this
activity are my strengths and weakness are in different types of intelligence.
*Instructor's manual to accompany Study Skills: Do 1 Really Need This Stuff? 2nd Edition. Piscitelli, S.
Boston, MA: Pearson Education, 2009.