Introduction

The theory that we have not one, but many different intelligences was developed by Howard Gardner. According to Gardner, there are 7 different aspects to our intelligence, each of which can be identified and measured separately. While we use all of our intelligences to learn, think, and solve problems, individuals vary in which intelligences they find easier to use, and thus find that different learning strategies work best for them. Gardner initially identified the following seven intelligences:

Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence

This intelligence is related to words and language, both spoken and written. Together with logical/mathematical intelligence, it has dominated Western views of intelligence and Western education systems. Verbal/linguistic intelligence is engaged by reading, discussion, and writing in all their forms. It incorporates abstract thought and reasoning.

Musical Intelligence

This intelligence centres on sensitivity to sounds, tones, pitch, melody, rhythms and beats. It is stimulated by music, rhythms, the human voice and environmental sounds. Learning with this intelligence is enhanced when new material is associated with sounds and music.

Logical/Mathematical Intelligence

This form of intelligence is often thought of as scientific thinking. It involves reasoning (both inductive and deductive), logical thinking, dealing with abstract concepts, hypothesising, testing, drawing conclusions, calculating, and recognising patterns. These learners like information to be presented logically and systematically. They like problem solving approaches and the opportunity to make connections and identify relationships between concepts.

Visual/Spatial Intelligence

This intelligence incorporates the ability to visualise, to create internal mental images, to manipulate images and objects in space, to identify visual and spatial patterns and relationships. Learning with this intelligence involves developing visual representation of content, concepts and relationships using strategies such as mind-mapping or concept mapping, flow charts and other graphic representations.

Bodily/Kinaesthetic Intelligence

This intelligence is related to physical movement and body awareness. It is expressed through dance, sport, body language and exercise. Learning strategies that use this intelligence involve learning by doing, by action, by manipulating objects, by role-play and by movement.

Inter-personal Intelligence

This intelligence is based on interpersonal interaction, relationships and communication. People dominant in this intelligence like to learn in groups, to work on collaborative projects, and to learn by talking and interacting with others.

Intra-personal Intelligence

This intelligence operates through reflection, metacognition (thinking about thinking), self-awareness, a focus on feelings and a sense of spirituality. Learners strong in this intelligence like to work alone, to reflect, to process information emotionally and cognitively and are able to focus their concentration well.

Gardner himself, and other researchers have proposed other intelligences, but these are less well established. They include:

Naturalist Intelligence

People who have a strong naturalist intelligence have abilities in observing, understanding and identifying environmental patterns, cycles and changes.

Existentialist Intelligence

People who exhibit strong existentialist intelligence are those who are able to bring clarity and understanding to the fundamental spiritual and philosophical questions of human existence.

Gustatory/Olfactory Intelligence

This intelligence relates to sensitivity to those chemicals associated with taste and smell.

Touch

This intelligence is represented by a heightened awareness of texture, shape, volume, weight, and hardness.

Links on Dominant Intelligence

Multiple Intelligence Inventory
This instrument is adapted from Howard Gardner's work on multiple intelligences, and has been modified to include an eighth intelligence developed by Gary Harms: Naturalistic Intelligence. Answer the questions online to find out your preferred intelligences.

Links on Multiple Intelligence

Universal Educator - Learning Styles - Multiple Intelligences Theory
A brief summary of the theory and a good selection of further links.

About Adult/Continuing Education - Multiple Intelligence Theory
An annotated collection of links about multiple intelligence theory that are relevant to adult education.

How Technology Enhances Howard Gardner's Eight Intelligences
Introduction by Dave Keefe for Contribution by Dee Dickinson, America Tomorrow website, 1998 - An interesting look at the use of technology in education in relation to multiple intelligences.