Multiple Intelligences
Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults.
Articles within this series
- Overview
- Multiple Intelligences
- School Choice
- What Are My School Choices?
- Next Steps / Related Information
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:
Word Smart
- likes to: read, write and tell stories
- is good at: memorizing names, places, dates and trivia
- learns best by: saying, hearing and seeing words
Logic Smart
- likes to: do experiments, figure things out, work with numbers, ask questions and explore patterns and relationships
- is good at: math, reasoning, logic and problem solving
- learns best by: categorizing, classifying and working with abstract patterns/relationships
Picture Smart
- likes to: draw, build, design and create things, daydream, look at pictures/slides, watch movies and play with machines
- is good at: imagining things, sensing changes, mazes/puzzles and reading maps, charts
- learns best by: visualizing, dreaming, using the mind's eye and working with colors/pictures
Music Smart
- likes to: sing, hum tunes, listen to music, play an instrument and respond to music
- is good at: picking up sounds, remembering melodies, noticing pitches/rhythms and keeping time
- learns best by: rhythm, melody and music
Body Smart
- likes to: move around, touch and talk and use body language
- is good at: physical activities (sports/dance/acting) and crafts
- learns best by: touching, moving, interacting with space and processing knowledge through bodily sensations
Nature Smart
- likes to: be outside, be with animals, geography, and weather; interact with the surroundings
- is good at: categorizing, organizing a living area, planning a trip, preservation, and conservation
- learns best by: studying natural phenomenon, in a natural setting, learning about how things work
People Smart
- likes to: have lots of friends, talk to people and join groups
- is good at: understanding people, leading others, organizing, communicating, manipulating and mediating conflicts
- learns best by: sharing, comparing, relating, cooperating and interviewing
Self Smart
- likes to: work alone and pursue own interests
- is good at: understanding self, focusing inward on feelings/dreams, following instincts, pursuing interests/goals and being original
- learns best by: working alone, individualized projects, self-paced instruction and having own space