Multiple Intelligences

In 1983, Howard Gardner of Harvard University wrote a book entitled, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.  In this book, Gardner outlines his Theory of Multiple Intelligences.  There are two fundamental propositions central to MI Theory: 

1.  Intelligence is not fixed.  We are not "stuck with" the intelligence level with which we are born.  Educators have the ability to develop the intellectual capacity of our students. 

2.  Intelligence is not unitary.  There are many ways to be smart.  There is not just one human intelligence, but rather multiple intelligences.  Everyone has intelligence and a unique pattern of intelligences.

Gardner set out in search of multiple intelligences.  He believed that for anything to be considered an intelligence, it had to meet three prerequisites.  An intelligence must include:

1.  Skills enabling individuals to reslove genuine problems.

2.  The ability to create an effective product.

3.  The potential for finding or creating problems.

Gardner selected candidate intelligences that met these three prerequisites.  He then tested the candidates against eight criteria.  At this point, Gardner has recognized eight intelligences, but suggests that there may be more.

The Eight Multiple Intelligences

WORD SMART - Students are Word Smart when they:

  • Learn through reading, writing, discussing
  • Communicate effectively
  • Have a good vocabulary
  • Write clearly
  • Spell easily
  • Think in words

LOGIC/MATH SMART - Students are Logic/Math Smart when they:

  • Think in numbers, patterns, algorithms
  • Think clearly and analytically
  • Learn by appeal to logic
  • Use abstract symbols
  • Solve logic problems easily
  • Are good in math

ART/SPACE SMART - Students are Art/Space Smart when they:

  • Think in pictures and images
  • Are good with spacial relations
  • Have a good eye for detail and color
  • "See" solutions to a problem
  • Like to draw and create

MUSIC SMART - Students are Music Smart when they:

  • Have a good sense of rhythm and melody
  • Like to sing, hum, chant and rap
  • Enjoy listening to music
  • Read and write music
  • Learn through music and lyrics
  • Enjoy creating music

BODY SMART - Students are Body Smart when they:

  • Are highly coordinated
  • Use gestures and body language
  • Take things apart and fix them
  • Learn through "hands-on" activities
  • Enjoy acting and role playing
  • Enjoy dancing and athletics

NATURE SMART - Students are Nature Smart when they:

  • Are aware of their natural surroundings
  • Discriminate different flora and fauna
  • Are good at sorting and classifying
  • Have keen observational skills
  • Understand natural phenomena
  • Garden or care for pets and animals

PEOPLE SMART - Students are People Smart when they:

  • Make and maintain friends easily
  • Understand and respect others
  • Lead and organize others
  • Resolve conflicts
  • Learn by interacting with others
  • Like to work and be with others

SELF SMART - Students are Self Smart when they:

  • Need time to process information
  • Think about their own thinking
  • Have strong opinions and beliefs
  • Are introspective
  • Know themselves well
  • Like quiet time alone

(1997 Kagan Cooperative Learning)