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: Gregory Bazile
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: I always know if im going to get along with somebody just by
watching them for a few minutes
My 2nd most developed intelligence is:_ people smart
oMy evidence is:_ I can relate to people and always seem to give the best
advice
My 3rd most developed intelligence is:_number smart
oMy evidence is:_i pass math exams and test with out studying
My 4th most developed intelligence is:_body smart
oMy evidence is:_ if I do something physical long enough my body
remembers it and it becomes second nature
My 5th most developed intelligence is:_music smart
oMy evidence is:_i can hear and almost recreate certain instruments and
patterns I hear in a song
My 6th most developed intelligence is:_ art smart
oMy evidence is:_ I can visualize something and recreate it
My 7th most developed intelligence is:_word smart
oMy evidence is:_when I speak to adults they always say they feel like there not
having a conversation with someone younger than them
My 8th most developed intelligence is:_ nature smart
oMy evidence is :_ im not really skilled In this department
Finally, what insights can you draw from this activity? Some people are build with
natural intelligences and how they are raised specify which smarts improve and which

3. gets overshadowed
*Instructor's manual to accompany Study Skills: Do 1 Really Need This Stuff? 2nd Edition. Piscitelli, S.
Boston, MA: Pearson Education, 2009.