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: Denise Hawkes
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 (me smart).
o My evidence is: my self-esteem and personality says it all.
My 2nd most developed intelligence is: Linguistic intelligence (word smart).
oMy evidence is: I’m very outspoken and I always like to write and express
my personal opinion about certain situations.
My 3rd most developed intelligence is: Interpersonal intelligence (people smart
oMy evidence is I can sense peoples moods in their eyes their movements
and tone. I observe people a lot.
My 4th most developed intelligence is: Musical intelligence (music smart)
My evidence is: I can hear a song and I automatically start thinking up dance moves that can
go to it.
o
My 5th most developed intelligence is: Bodily—kinesthetic intelligence (body smart
oMy evidence is: I did several activities in school that involved my body
My 6th most developed intelligence is:_ Spatial intelligence (art smart).
oMy evidence is: I like to visualize things. It’s like painting a picture of my
future._
My 7th most developed intelligence is:_ Naturalistic intelligence (nature smart).
oMy evidence is: I not really interested in this type. I understand it and I know I can
explain what it’s about but it’s not a big attention grabber._
My 8th most developed intelligence is:_ Logical mathematical intelligence
oMy evidence is : Math is ok and I do pretty good with it but I’m not a
genis._
Finally, what insights can you draw from this activity?_

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