Howard Gardner’s Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Theory of Multiple

IntelligencesIntelligences

By Ryan GunholdBy Ryan Gunhold

Faculty DevelopmentFaculty Development

City University of SeattleCity University of Seattle

What is this theory?What is this theory?

Breaks down seven different Breaks down seven different “intelligences” to categorize talents “intelligences” to categorize talents and skillsand skills

Gardner: “Seven kinds of intelligence Gardner: “Seven kinds of intelligence would allow seven ways to teach, would allow seven ways to teach, rather than one.”rather than one.”

All seven are necessary, but only two All seven are necessary, but only two are generally recognized in school are generally recognized in school settings.settings.

The Seven IntelligencesThe Seven Intelligences

LinguisticLinguistic Logical-MathematicalLogical-Mathematical MusicalMusical Bodily-KinestheticBodily-Kinesthetic SpatialSpatial InterpersonalInterpersonal IntrapersonalIntrapersonal

Linguistic IntelligenceLinguistic Intelligence

Typically valued in schoolsTypically valued in schools Sensitivity to languageSensitivity to language

– Response to both written and spokenResponse to both written and spoken Ability to learn languageAbility to learn language Ability to use language as expressionAbility to use language as expression

Examples: writers, poets, lawyers, Examples: writers, poets, lawyers, speakersspeakers

Logical-Mathematical Logical-Mathematical IntelligenceIntelligence

Also typically valued in schoolsAlso typically valued in schools Analyze problems logicallyAnalyze problems logically Adept at mathematical operationsAdept at mathematical operations Solve problems scientificallySolve problems scientifically ““Detect patterns, reason deductively Detect patterns, reason deductively

and think logically”and think logically”

Musical IntelligenceMusical Intelligence

Associated with the artsAssociated with the arts Performance and composition skillsPerformance and composition skills Appreciation of musical patternsAppreciation of musical patterns Recognize and compose pitch, tone Recognize and compose pitch, tone

and rhythmand rhythm ““Runs in an almost structural parallel Runs in an almost structural parallel

to linguistic intelligence”to linguistic intelligence”

Bodily-Kinesthetic Bodily-Kinesthetic IntelligenceIntelligence

Also generally associated with the Also generally associated with the artsarts

Use of one’s body to solve problemsUse of one’s body to solve problems– Whole body or parts of the bodyWhole body or parts of the body

Use of mental abilities to coordinate Use of mental abilities to coordinate movementmovement

Mental and physical activity are Mental and physical activity are relatedrelated

Spatial IntelligenceSpatial Intelligence

Generally connected with the artsGenerally connected with the arts Recognize and use patterns of spaceRecognize and use patterns of space Space in wide or confined areasSpace in wide or confined areas More than visualMore than visual

– Includes abstract analytical abilitiesIncludes abstract analytical abilities– Goes beyond simply seeing imagesGoes beyond simply seeing images

Interpersonal IntelligenceInterpersonal Intelligence

What Gardner calls a “personal What Gardner calls a “personal intelligence”intelligence”

Understanding of other peopleUnderstanding of other people– Intentions, motivations, and desiresIntentions, motivations, and desires

Work effectively with othersWork effectively with others Particularly critical in educationParticularly critical in education Examples: educators, salespeople, Examples: educators, salespeople,

political leaders, counsellorspolitical leaders, counsellors

Intrapersonal IntelligenceIntrapersonal Intelligence

Another “personal intelligence”Another “personal intelligence” Understanding of oneselfUnderstanding of oneself

– Appreciate our feelings, fears & Appreciate our feelings, fears & motivationsmotivations

Effective working model of ourselvesEffective working model of ourselves Helps to regulate our livesHelps to regulate our lives

What does this mean for What does this mean for Faculty?Faculty?

More to consider when evaluating studentsMore to consider when evaluating students– How students learnHow students learn– What will benefit students What will benefit students

More to consider when planning effective More to consider when planning effective curriculum-based lessonscurriculum-based lessons– How curriculum matches up with student learningHow curriculum matches up with student learning

Helps Faculty think about the learning Helps Faculty think about the learning processprocess

Gives Faculty a greater understanding of Gives Faculty a greater understanding of student learningstudent learning

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements Research:Research:

– Smith, Mark K. (2008) “Howard Gardner and Smith, Mark K. (2008) “Howard Gardner and Multiple Intelligences.” Multiple Intelligences.” The Encyclopedia of The Encyclopedia of Informal Education. Informal Education. http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm. .

– Grow, Gerald. “Spatial Intelligence” Grow, Gerald. “Spatial Intelligence” Writing Writing and Multiple Intelligences.and Multiple Intelligences. http://www.longleaf.net/ggrow/7In/Spatial.html

Special Thanks to:Special Thanks to:– Bastyr – Bill GregoryBastyr – Bill Gregory