Multiple Intelligences
Multiple Intelligences
Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner of Harvard has identified seven distinct intelligences. This theory has
emerged from recent cognitive research and "documents the extent to which students
possess different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember, perform, and
understand in different ways," according to Gardner (1991). According to this theory,
"we are all able to know the world through language, logical-mathematical analysis,
spatial representation, musical thinking, the use of the body to solve problems or to
make things, an understanding of other individuals, and an understanding of ourselves.
Where individuals differ is in the strength of these intelligences - the so-called profile of
intelligences -and in the ways in which such intelligences are invoked and combined to
carry out different tasks, solve diverse problems, and progress in various domains."
Gardner says that these differences "challenge an educational system that assumes
that everyone can learn the same materials in the same way and that a uniform,
universal measure suffices to test student learning. Indeed, as currently constituted, our
educational system is heavily biased toward linguistic modes of instruction and
assessment and, to a somewhat lesser degree, toward logical-quantitative modes as
well." Gardner argues that "a contrasting set of assumptions is more likely to be
educationally effective. Students learn in ways that are identifiably distinctive. The broad
spectrum of students - and perhaps the society as a whole - would be better served if
disciplines could be presented in a numbers of ways and learning could be assessed
through a variety of means." The learning styles are as follows:
Visual-Spatial - think in terms of physical space, as do architects and sailors. Very
aware of their environments. They like to draw, do jigsaw puzzles, read maps,
daydream. They can be taught through drawings, verbal and physical imagery. Tools
include models, graphics, charts, photographs, drawings, 3-D modeling, video,
videoconferencing, television, multimedia, texts with pictures/charts/graphs.
Bodily-kinesthetic - use the body effectively, like a dancer or a surgeon. Keen sense of
body awareness. They like movement, making things, touching. They communicate well
through body language and be taught through physical activity, hands-on learning,
acting out, role playing. Tools include equipment and real objects.
Musical - show sensitivity to rhythm and sound. They love music, but they are also
sensitive to sounds in their environments. They may study better with music in the
background. They can be taught by turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically,
tapping out time. Tools include musical instruments, music, radio, stereo, CD-ROM,
multimedia.
Interpersonal - understanding, interacting with others. These students learn through
interaction. They have many friends, empathy for others, street smarts. They can be
taught through group activities, seminars, dialogues. Tools include the telephone, audio
conferencing, time and attention from the instructor, video conferencing, writing,
computer conferencing, E-mail.
Intrapersonal - understanding one's own interests, goals. These learners tend to shy
away from others. They're in tune with their inner feelings; they have wisdom, intuition
and motivation, as well as a strong will, confidence and opinions. They can be taught
through independent study and introspection. Tools include books, creative materials,
diaries, privacy and time. They are the most independent of the learners.
Linguistic - using words effectively. These learners have highly developed auditory
skills and often think in words. They like reading, playing word games, making up poetry
or stories. They can be taught by encouraging them to say and see words, read books
together. Tools include computers, games, multimedia, books, tape recorders, and
lecture.
Logical -Mathematical - reasoning, calculating. Think conceptually, abstractly and are
able to see and explore patterns and relationships. They like to experiment, solve
puzzles, ask cosmic questions. They can be taught through logic games, investigations,
mysteries. They need to learn and form concepts before they can deal with details.
At first, it may seem impossible to teach to all learning styles. However, as we move into
using a mix of media or multimedia, it becomes easier. As we understand learning
styles, it becomes apparent why multimedia appeals to learners and why a mix of media
is more effective. It satisfies the many types of learning preferences that one person
may embody or that a class embodies. A review of the literature shows that a variety of
decisions must be made when choosing media that is appropriate to learning style.
Visuals: Visual media help students acquire concrete concepts, such as object
identification, spatial relationship, or motor skills where words alone are inefficient.
Printed words: There is disagreement about audio's superiority to print for affective
objectives; several models do not recommend verbal sound if it is not part of the task to
be learned.
Sound: A distinction is drawn between verbal sound and non-verbal sound such as
music. Sound media are necessary to present a stimulus for recall or sound recognition.
Audio narration is recommended for poor readers.
Motion: Models force decisions among still, limited movement, and full movement
visuals. Motion is used to depict human performance so that learners can copy the
movement. Several models assert that motion may be unnecessary and provides
decision aid questions based upon objectives. Visual media which portray motion are
best to show psychomotor or cognitive domain expectations by showing the skill as a
model against which students can measure their performance.
Color: Decisions on color display are required if an object's color is relevant to what is
being learned.
Realia: Realia are tangible, real objects which are not models and are useful to teach
motor and cognitive skills involving unfamiliar objects. Realia are appropriate for use
with individuals or groups and may be situation based. Realia may be used to present
information realistically but it may be equally important that the presentation
corresponds with the way learner's represent information internally.
Instructional Setting: Design should cover whether the materials are to be used in a
home or instructional setting and consider the size what is to be learned. Print
instruction should be delivered in an individualized mode which allows the learner to set
the learning pace. The ability to provide corrective feedback for individual learners is
important but any medium can provide corrective feedback by stating the correct
answer to allow comparison of the two answers.
Learner Characteristics: Most models consider learner characteristics as media may
be differentially effective for different learners. Although research has had limited
success in identifying the media most suitable for types of learners several models are
based on this method.
Reading ability: Pictures facilitate learning for poor readers who benefit more from
speaking than from writing because they understand spoken words; self-directed good
readers can control the pace; and print allows easier review.
Categories of Learning Outcomes: Categories ranged from three to eleven and most
include some or all of Gagne's (1977) learning categories; intellectual skills, verbal
information, motor skills, attitudes, and cognitive strategies. Several models suggest a
procedure which categorizes learning outcomes, plans instructional events to teach
objectives, identifies the type of stimuli to present events, and media capable of
presenting the stimuli.
Events of Instruction: The external events which support internal learning processes
are called events of instruction. The events of instruction are planned before selecting
the media to present it.
Performance: Many models discuss eliciting performance where the student practices
the task which sets the stage for reinforcement. Several models indicate that the elicited
performance should be categorized by type; overt, covert, motor, verbal, constructed,
and select. Media should be selected which is best able to elicit these responses and
the response frequency. One model advocates a behavioral approach so that media is
chosen to elicit responses for practice. To provide feedback about the student's
response, an interactive medium might be chosen, but any medium can provide
feedback. Learner characteristics such as error proneness and anxiety should influence
media selection.
Multiple Intelligences
The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of
education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q.
testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account for a
broader range of human potential in children and adults. These intelligences are:
Dr. Gardner says that our schools and culture focus most of their attention on linguistic and logicalmathematical intelligence. We esteem the highly articulate or logical people of our culture. However, Dr.
Gardner says that we should also place equal attention on individuals who show gifts in the other
intelligences: the artists, architects, musicians, naturalists, designers, dancers, therapists, entrepreneurs,
and others who enrich the world in which we live. Unfortunately, many children who have these gifts dont
receive much reinforcement for them in school. Many of these kids, in fact, end up being labeled "learning
disabled," "ADD (attention deficit disorder," or simply underachievers, when their unique ways of thinking
and learning arent addressed by a heavily linguistic or logical-mathematical classroom. The theory of
multiple intelligences proposes a major transformation in the way our schools are run. It suggests that
teachers be trained to present their lessons in a wide variety of ways using music, cooperative learning,
art activities, role play, multimedia, field trips, inner reflection, and much more (see Multiple Intelligences
in the Classroom). The good news is that the theory of multiple intelligences has grabbed the attention of
many educators around the country, and hundreds of schools are currently using its philosophy to
redesign the way it educates children. The bad news is that there are thousands of schools still out there
that teach in the same old dull way, through dry lectures, and boring worksheets and textbooks. The
challenge is to get this information out to many more teachers, school administrators, and others who
work with children, so that each child has the opportunity to learn in ways harmonious with their unique
minds (see In Their Own Way).
The theory of multiple intelligences also has strong implications for adult learning and development. Many
adults find themselves in jobs that do not make optimal use of their most highly developed intelligences
(for example, the highly bodily-kinesthetic individual who is stuck in a linguistic or logical desk-job when
he or she would be much happier in a job where they could move around, such as a recreational leader, a
forest ranger, or physical therapist). The theory of multiple intelligences gives adults a whole new way to
look at their lives, examining potentials that they left behind in their childhood (such as a love for art or
drama) but now have the opportunity to develop through courses, hobbies, or other programs of selfdevelopment (see 7 Kinds of Smart).
How to Teach or Learn Anything 8 Different Ways
One of the most remarkable features of the theory of multiple intelligences is how it provides eight
different potential pathways to learning. If a teacher is having difficulty reaching a student in the more
traditional linguistic or logical ways of instruction, the theory of multiple intelligences suggests several
other ways in which the material might be presented to facilitate effective learning. Whether you are a
kindergarten teacher, a graduate school instructor, or an adult learner seeking better ways of pursuing
self-study on any subject of interest, the same basic guidelines apply. Whatever you are teaching or
learning, see how you might connect it with
For example, if youre teaching or learning about the law of supply and demand in economics, you might
read about it (linguistic), study mathematical formulas that express it (logical-mathematical), examine a
graphic chart that illustrates the principle (spatial), observe the law in the natural world (naturalist) or in
the human world of commerce (interpersonal); examine the law in terms of your own body [e.g. when you
supply your body with lots of food, the hunger demand goes down; when there's very little supply, your
stomach's demand for food goes way up and you get hungry] (bodily-kinesthetic and intrapersonal);
and/or write a song (or find an existing song) that demonstrates the law (perhaps Dylan's "Too Much of
Nothing?").
You dont have to teach or learn something in all eight ways, just see what the possibilities are, and then
decide which particular pathways interest you the most, or seem to be the most effective teaching or
learning tools. The theory of multiple intelligences is so intriguing because it expands our horizon of
available teaching/learning tools beyond the conventional linguistic and logical methods used in most
schools (e.g. lecture, textbooks, writing assignments, formulas, etc.). To get started, put the topic of
whatever youre interested in teaching or learning about in the center of a blank sheet of paper, and draw
eight straight lines or "spokes" radiating out from this topic. Label each line with a different intelligence.
Then start brainstorming ideas for teaching or learning that topic and write down ideas next to each
intelligence (this is a spatial-linguistic approach of brainstorming; you might want to do this in other ways
as well, using a tape-recorder, having a group brainstorming session, etc.). Have fun!
Resources
http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.php
Howard Gardner, a professor of cognition and education at the Harvard University, developed the
theory of multiple intelligences (MI) in 1983. The word 'intelligence' is coined from a Latin
word intellegere, which means 'to understand'. Intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply
However, intelligent quotient test is reliable, but it restricts an individual from his unique
abilities to some extent. Howard worked on different parameters of intelligence and
devised the theory of 'MI'. His multiple intelligence theory was an invention in the study
of human psychology. According to Howard Gardner, intelligence is 'the capacity to
solve problems or to fashion products which are valued in one or more cultural settings'.
Previously, he categorized the 'MI' into seven types, i.e. linguistic, logical-mathematical,
musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial-visual, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence.
Earlier, he added two more type of intelligence, namely, naturalist and existential
intelligences.
Types of MI
Linguistic
Intelligence
Characteristics
Ability to learn different
languages, grammar,
syntax and vocabulary.
Suitable Professions
Editor, writer, reporter, translator,
salesperson, poet, linguistician,
lawyer, novelist, secretary,
speaker and journalist
Computer programmer,
Logical/Mathematic Experts in math, reasoning mathematician, accountant,
al Intelligence
and logic.
banker, logician, lawyer and
scientist
Has the sensitivity to
Spatial Intelligence understand images and
direction.
Body-kinesthetic
Intelligence
Interpersonal
Intelligence
Intrapersonal
Intelligence
Naturalist
Intelligence
Biologist, anthropologist,
geologist, zoologist and
environmental scientist, gatherer,
farmer and bird watcher
Existential
intelligence
The above-mentioned multiple intelligence types are categorized, according to the characteristics and
professions of individuals. One may be gifted with one or more types of intelligence.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/multiple-intelligence-types.html
Bodily-Kinesthetic
Spatial-Visual
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Free multiple intelligences tests based on Howard Gardner's sevenintelligences model are available below in MSExcel self-calculating
format, manual versions in MSExcel and pdf, and manual test
versions for young people.
intelligence type
Naturalist
Spiritual/Existential
Moral
If you think about the items above it's easy to see why Gardner and
his followers have found it quite difficult to augment the original
seven intelligences. The original seven are relatively cut and dried;
the seven intelligences are measurable, we know what they are,
what they mean, and we can evidence or illustrate them. However
the potential additional human capabilities, perceptions and
attunements, are highly subjective and complex, and arguably
contain many overlapping aspects. Also, the fact that these
additional intelligences could be deemed a measure of good or bad
poses extra questions as to their inclusion in what is otherwise a
model which has hitherto made no such judgement (good or bad,
that is - it's a long sentence...).
The more detailed diagram below expands the detail for the original
seven intelligences shown above, and also suggests ideas for
applying the model and underpinning theories, so as to optimise
learning and training, design accelerated learning methods, and to
assess training and learning suitability and effectiveness.
intelligence type
1
Linguistic
Logical-Mathematical
Musical
Bodily-Kinesthetic
Spatial-Visual
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
free Multiple Intelligences test (based on Howard Gardner's model) in MSExcel self-calculatingformat, and other versions:
free Multiple Intelligences test - manual test in MSExcel
free Multiple Intelligences test - manual test in pdf format
free Multiple Intelligences test - manual test for young people in
MSExcel
free Multiple Intelligences test - manual test for young people in
pdf format
Multiple Intelligences descriptions - pdf format
(If you are using a test to help people identify and develop unique
personal potential, especially foryoung people, try using the test in
conjunction with the Fantasticat idea, or similar ways to focus on
individual potential, rather than the more narrow imposed measures
found typically in young people's education systems. Many young
people (and older people too..) mistakenly form a dim view of their
capabilities and potential according to typical academic measures in
schools, which remain largely oriented towards university and higher
education expectations. The spectrum of human capability, and the
potential to be valued and productive in life, are much broader than
this, which are central aspects of multiple intelligence theory.
Encouraging people to think beyond traditional academic measures
of value and talent is a vital early step to enabling better selfesteem and bigger personal belief, confidence and aspiration.)
So for example:
The pressure of possible failure and being forced to act and think
unnaturally, have a significant negative influence on learning
effectiveness. Happy relaxed people learn more readily than
unhappy stressful people.
A person's strength is also a learning channel. A person's weakness
is not a great learning channel. Simple huh?
When you add in what we know about personal belief and
confidence it all begins to make even more sense. Develop people
through their strengths and we not only stimulate their development
- we also make them happy (because everyone enjoys working in
their strength areas) - and we also grow their confidence and lift
their belief (because they see they are doing well, and they get told
they are doing well too).
Developing a person's strengths will increase their response to the
learning experience, which helps them to develop their weaknesses
as well as their strengths.
The VAK (or VARK or VACT) learning styles model and related
VAK/VARK/VACT tests (and for that matter the Multiple Intelligences
concepts) offer reasonably simple and accessible methods to
understand and explain people's preferred ways to learn.
The VAK learning styles model provides a very easy and quick
reference inventory by which to assess people's preferred learning
styles, and then most importantly, to design learning methods
and experiences that match people's preferences:
v
operate new equipment
re
travel directions
lo
fo
you'd say..
you'd say..
sh
you'd say..
faulty goods
leisure
buying gifts
shopping
lo
choose a holiday
re
re
Designates the human ability to discriminate among living things (plants, animals)
as well as sensitivity to other features of the natural world (clouds, rock
configurations). This ability was clearly of value in our evolutionary past as hunters,
gatherers, and farmers; it continues to be central in such roles as botanist or chef. It
is also speculated that much of our consumer society exploits the naturalist
intelligences, which can be mobilized in the discrimination among cars, sneakers,
kinds of makeup, and the like.
Musical intelligence is the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone. This
intelligence enables us to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music, as
demonstrated by composers, conductors, musicians, vocalist, and sensitive
listeners. Interestingly, there is often an affective connection between music and
the emotions; and mathematical and musical intelligences may share common
thinking processes. Young adults with this kind of intelligence are usually singing or
drumming to themselves. They are usually quite aware of sounds others may miss.
4. Existential Intelligence
Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as
the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here.
Linguistic intelligence is the ability to think in words and to use language to express
and appreciate complex meanings. Linguistic intelligence allows us to understand
the order and meaning of words and to apply meta-linguistic skills to reflect on our
use of language. Linguistic intelligence is the most widely shared human
competence and is evident in poets, novelists, journalists, and effective public
speakers. Young adults with this kind of intelligence enjoy writing, reading, telling
stories or doing crossword puzzles.
From: Overview of the Multiple Intelligences Theory. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and Thomas Armstrong.com
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Score (5.0 is
highest)
4.43
Description
likeUSAToday.
3.86
Read cookbooks.
3.29
2.71
2.71
Just because these five are not in your top three doesnt mean youre not
strong in them. If your average score for any intelligence is above three,
youre probably using that intelligence quite often to help you learn. Take a
look at the Practice section to see how to engage all your intelligences.
Vision
De La Salle University-Dasmarias is a Filipino Catholic University established and managed by the
De La Salle Brothers and their lay partners in the historic province of Cavite in response to the needs
of the Church and the Nation for human and Christian education, particularly the youth at risk. Guided
by the Lasallian values of Faith, Zeal and Communion, the University participates meaningfully in the
process of social transformation by forming God-centered, people-oriented, and patriotic persons who
serve as responsible and professionally competent stewards of God's creation.
Mission
To realize this vision, the University shall strive to become a leading institution nationally and
globally in the integral formation of the youth by offering relevant, responsive, and communityoriented academic programs, research and extension services, and promoting a keen sense of history,
arts and culture. Following the footsteps of Saint John Baptist De La Salle, the University shall
continue transforming itself into a caring community guided by Gospel values, with a fervent spirit of
service, love for learning and excellence through a holistic formation of its members.
Our Vision
Children need vocal advocates. We advocate for a brighter future for all children; one in which each
child is given the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. When Children's Memorial was
founded in 1882, most children died from infectious diseases. Today, the leading causes of
emergency care, hospitalization and death of children, such as car crashes, sports injuries,
homicide, asthma and suicide are related to behavioral, environmental and social risk factors. In
addition, children with chronic illnesses that once died in early childhood are now surviving into
adulthood.
Our Office of Child Advocacy is organized around a public health model that emphasizes prevention,
health promotion and the creation of safe, structured environments for children.
Our Mission
We pursue social and health care policies and programs that keep children healthy, reduce the need
for hospitalization and support their social development in at city, state and national levels. As
advocates, we collaborate with community leaders, organizations and legislators to effectively bring
public attention and response to children's health issues. We select issues that significantly affect
the well-being of children. In advocating for children, the hospital provides scientific and clinical
expertise, fills leadership voids, joins coalitions, and works to improve outcomes for all children and
their families.
We pursue programs and projects that support education among the children all over the Province of
Cavite. Through our programs and projects, we can help in reducing the number of out of school
youth all over the said province and therefore, increasing the number of educated children
The National Cancer Institutes (NCI) Office of Advocacy Relations is the NCIs primary point of contact for the
cancer advocacy community. OAR oversees the involvement of advocates in research in order to enhance the
scientific process and improve patient outcomes by providing diverse perspectives.
The NCI Office of Advocacy Relations:
1.
Serves as the Institute's expert and central resource for advocacy matters.
2.
3.
Disseminates information and fosters understanding of key cancer issues and priorities.
Values Statement
NCI understands that the ultimate consumers of cancer research are patients, their families and friends, and the
many others affected by the disease.
NCI believes that consumers of cancer research should be involved in NCIs programs and activities because
their diverse perspectives enhance research and will ultimately improve outcomes.
NCI believes that relationships with cancer consumers should be inclusive, transparent, accountable and
dynamic.