Howard Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences in the 1980s. He proposed that there are eight main intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. Gardner argued that individuals possess combinations of these intelligences in different strengths, and that assessments and instruction should account for these varied abilities. The theory suggests that teachers provide diverse activities and assessments to engage students with different types of intelligences.

2.  Howard Gardner- Developed this theory in its
entirety. He was born in 1943 in Scranton, PA.
He is trained as a developmental psychologist
and later as a neuropsychologist, and is
Professor of Cognition and Education at
Harvard University. He developed much of his
research on brain damaged, regular, and
gifted students. His conclusions lead to the
idea that eight differing intelligences define
how students learn. Gardner’s continued
studies, however, have lead to the possibility
of additional intelligences.

3.  This theory defines intelligence as “ the ability to gain
knowledge, apply knowledge, manipulate one’s
environment, and think abstractly.”
 There are eight different intelligences:
-Linguistic: “Ease in using language”
-Logical-Mathematical: “ ability to engage in
inductive and deductive reasoning.”
-Spatial-Visual: “ability to visualize objects and
spatial dimensions.”
-Body-Kinesthetic: “ability to move your body
with skill and control.”
-Musical: “ ability to recognize patterns and
sounds.”
-Interpersonal: “ability to understand and
communicate effectively with others.”
-Intrapersonal: “ an awareness of oneself, goals,
and emotions.”
-Naturalist: “ an awareness of the natural world
around them.”
However, recently a ninth intelligence has been added:
*Existential: “ ability and proclivity to pose (and ponder)
questions about life, death, and ultimate realities.”

4.  Gardner believes that the theory may take somewhat different
forms in different cultures, depending on how each culture
shapes and molds the raw talents of growing children
› For example, in Western culture, spatial
intelligence might be reflected in painting,
sculpture or geometry.
› However, among the Gikwe bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, it might be
reflected in the
ability to recognize and
remember many specific
locations over a large area.
 Criticisms:
› No valid tool is available to
measure this theory, making it
difficult to prove. It is therefore
accused of being ambiguous and subjective, instead of objective.
 Battle of the Brains BBC (video) start at 4mins 14secs.

5.  What does the teacher do  A more balanced curriculum that
incorporates the arts, self-awareness,
under this theory (with and communication, and physical
without technology)? education may be useful in order to
leverage the intelligences that some
students may have.
 Teachers must provide a variety of  The teacher would incorporate as
assessments and activities to cover the many of the eight different
wide variety of intelligences children intelligences as possible into the lesson.
may incur. A few options that involve technology
 Teachers may tailor instructional could include a PowerPoint
methods for each individual student in Presentation, a Concept Web, or a
order to capitalize on each student’s Digital Photostory. Without technology,
intellectual strengths. a teacher can use the white board or
create a posterboard. As long as the
 Teachers can make “activity menus” need to incorporate the intelligences,
that allow students to choose different and therefore, the different learning
activities that suit their learning abilities styles are applied, technology is
in order to demonstrate their extremely useful, but not mandatory.
understanding of a subject. However, with technology, it would be
 Teachers must learn to consider all easier to incorporate the different
different types of learners and how to types of intelligence due to the wide
adapt to those learners. Here Gardner capabilities that technology allows us
talks more on his theory and how he to accomplish.
thinks it applies to the classroom.

6. Intelligence Adaptations
Keep a journal, Write a book report, Create a slogan,
Linguistic
Give a speech, Create a word search
Mathematic Conduct an experiment, Describe patterns
Debate an issue, Deliver a team presentation, Interview
Interpersonal
a classmate, Participate in a survey
Intrapersonal Read silently, Write an autobiography, Write a poem
Kinesthetic Role play, Dramatize a passage
Environmental Incorporate field trips, Conduct lessons outside
Make scrapbooks/posters, Design logo/brochure, Draw
Visual
a scene, Create a puzzle
Musical Create a rap/song, Background music

7.  What do the  Take more responsibility for
their own learning and
students do engage in active learning,
under the theory as well as self-efficacy.
Under this theory students
(with or without

will learn to explore different
technology)? types of intelligences, and
will be likely to discover and
embrace abilities that were
unknown .
 Students will work more
deeply within their subject
areas, exploring in more
unique and personalized
ways.

8.  The multiple intelligence theory is a great tool for teaching students. It uses
many techniques and addresses all areas of children’s strengths and
weaknesses. By developing lesson plans that address all eight intelligences,
teachers are able to create environments in which children can learn to the
best of their abilities. –M. Strandberg
 The multiple intelligence theory is an important thing to remember in any
type of classroom. All students learn in different ways, and by knowing each
student’s intellectual strengths, teachers can develop lesson plans and
activities that allow students to master the material in the way that suits them
best. –N. Sutterby
 The concept of “Multiple Intelligences” is a highly revolutionary theory to
incorporate in the classroom, since it reminds teachers that certain students,
that perhaps might not comprehend a particular concept of a lesson, might
excel in another area in the curriculum. In this way it broadens the spectrum
of what intelligence is, not just categorizing verbal and mathematical abilities
as intelligence. –L. Mejia
 Although there is no specific tool to test Gardner’s Theory, I believe the
evidence is obvious once given the opportunity. Every individual does not
learn the same way, but with this theory, we can incorporate certain factors
that would help ensure each individual’s success. No student is the same as
his or her peer, and if we recognize this, and treat every student as
individuals by addressing their learning styles, everyone benefits. -S. Bebergal

9.  Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence theory is an idea that will
really help in the classroom. It will help with seemingly
“problem” children who may not get the instruction or who
may not be challenged enough by it. –M. Scarlett
 Using the multiple intelligence theory, teachers are able to
adapt a lesson plan to suit the individual learning style of
every child. Diverse instructional curriculums allow every
student to get the education they deserve. As teachers of
tomorrow, it is our responsibility to deliver the appropriate
lesson plan and strive to meet each student’s success in the
classroom. The multiple intelligence theory opens new doors
for different learning styles and a variety of learning menus. –
C. Law

10.  About. (n.d.). Howard Gardner | Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education / Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Retrieved November 18, 2012, from http://howardgardner.com/biography/
 Battle of the Brains IQ - BBC - YouTube. (n.d.). YouTube. Retrieved November 18, 2012, from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ikv_NmY3-U
 Bright Hub Education Provides Teaching Tips & Lesson Plans, Homework Help & Study Guides, Homeschooling Advice &
Much More. (n.d.). Bright Hub Education Provides Teaching Tips & Lesson Plans, Homework Help & Study Guides,
Homeschooling Advice & Much More. Retrieved November 18, 2012, from http://brighthubeducation.com
 Dr. Howard Gardner on Multiple Intelligences « I am the eternal student…but I am not alone. (n.d.). I am the eternal
student…but I am not alone. Retrieved November 18, 2012, from http://greeneyezwinkin2.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/dr-
howard-gardner-on-multiple-intelligences/
 Gardner's Multiple Intelligences - Learning Skills from MindTools.com. (n.d.). Mind Tools - Management Training, Leadership
Training and Career Training. Retrieved November 18, 2012, from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_85.htm
 Gardner, H. (2011). Promoting Learner Engagement Using Multiple Intelligences and Choice-Based Instruction. Adult Basic
Education and Literacy, 5(2), 97-101. Retrieved November 17, 2012, from the ERIC database.
 Gardner, H. E. (n.d.). Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century - Howard E. Gardner - Google Books.
Google Books. Retrieved November 18, 2012, from
http://books.google.com/books?id=nOHsjJZB0J8C&lpg=PR9&ots=6pNKY2Yl9n&dq=multiple%20intelligences%20and%20exist
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 Great Performances . Educational Resources . Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory . Overview | PBS. (n.d.). PBS:
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http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/education/ed_mi_overview.html
 Howard Gardner. (n.d.). PZ. Retrieved November 17, 2012, from www.pz.harvard.edu/pis/hg.htm
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2QtSbP4FRg
 Kalahari Map. (n.d.). African Safari Journals. Retrieved November 17, 2012, from www.african-safari-
journals.com/images/KalahariMap.jpg
 McDevitt, T. M., & Ormrod, J. E. (20102010). Pearson Custom education: child development and education. Boston: Pearson
Custom Publishing.
 Multiple Intelligences Revealed!. (n.d.). David Lazear Group | Multiple Intelligences. Retrieved November 18, 2012, from
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 Multiple Intelligences Theory (Gardner) | Learning Theories. (n.d.). Learning Theories. Retrieved November 18, 2012, from
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