Multiple Intelligences The multiple intelligences theory was first published in 1983 in Howard...

MultipleIntelligences

The multiple intelligences theory was first published in 1983 in Howard Gardner’s book, Frames of Mind: The

Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

Gardner derived his theory from extensive brain

research, which included interviews, tests, and research

on hundreds of individuals.

1. The ability to create an effective product or offer a service that is valuable in one’s culture.

2. A set of skills that enables an individual to solve problems encountered in life.

3. The potential for finding or creating solutions for problems, which enables a person to acquire new knowledge.

Gardner defines an “intelligence” as consisting

of three components:

Instead of asking if someone is smart, ask how he/she is

smart.

There are many ways each person is smart. Even though one intelligence may be dominant, each

person possesses multiple intelligences.

Why is it important that you know which smart(s) you are?

Instruction can be based on this information, reaching each

individual student & you can capitalize on your strengths

and abilities!!

This intelligence helps you to write, listen, and speak. You use this intelligence while doing writing assignments,

giving speeches, or reading a good book.

Word Smart

Is strong in:• Reading• Writing• Telling stories • Memorizing dates• Thinking in words

Word Smart

Learns best through:

• Reading• Hearing and seeing words• Speaking • Writing• Discussing• Debating

Word Smart

Instructional strategies:• Read about it• Write about it• Talk about it• Listen to it

Word Smart

Common Misbehaviors:• Passing notes

• Reading during lessons

Word Smart

Famous Examples

Poets, novelists, and public speakers have lots of linguistic

intelligence.

Virginia Woolf

Maya AngelouAbraham Lincoln

Math Smart

To be math smart means you have the ability to calculate very complex operations.

Math Smart

Is strong in:• Math• Reasoning• Logic• Problem-solving• Patterns

Math Smart

Learns best through:• Working with patterns and relationships

• Classifying• Categorizing

Math Smart

Instructional strategies:• Quantify it (categories)• Think critically about it• Conceptualize it (the “big picture”)

Math Smart

Common Misbehaviors:• Working on math during lessons• Building during lessons

Famous Examples

Scientists, engineers, computer technicians and accountants all use their

logical-mathematical intelligence.

Albert Einstein

John Dewey

Picture Smart

To be Picture Smart means to have an ability to think in three dimensions, and one can often duplicate inner and external

imagery.

Picture Smart

Is strong in:• Reading Maps• Charts• Drawing• Mazes• Puzzles

Picture Smart

Learns best through:• Working with pictures and colors• Visualizing• Drawing

Picture Smart

Instructional strategies:• See it• Draw it• Visualize it• Color it

Picture Smart

Common Misbehaviors:

• Doodling • Drawing • Daydreaming

Picture Smart

Pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects are strong in this

intelligence.

Famous Examples

Pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects are strong in this

intelligence.

Frank Lloyd Wright

Pablo Picasso

Bobby Fischer

Body Smart

Body Smart could be seen as the base upon which the other smarts

are developed.Why?? As babies, we explore the

world through our bodies.

Body Smart

Is strong in:• Athletics• Dancing• Acting• Using tools

Body Smart

Learns best through:• Moving• Processing knowledge through bodily sensations

Body Smart

Instructional strategies:• Build it• Act it out• Dance it

Body Smart

Common Misbehaviors:• Fidgeting • Wandering around the room

Famous Examples

Dancers, athletes, artists, or surgeons need to know how the body moves and how to control those movements. This

requires the use of body smart capabilities.

Magic Johnson

Charlie Chaplin

Music SmartIn developing the Music Smart, we

become skilled listeners, sensitive to music, and aware of the emotions

music can make. Those who are Music Smart often

change facts and other things they want to learn into songs to help their

memories.

Music Smart

Is strong in:• Picking up sounds• Remembering melodies

• Rhythms

Music Smart

Learns best through:• Rhythm• Singing• Listening to music and melodies

Musical/RhythmicMusic SmartInstructional strategies:• Sing it• Rap it • Listen to it

Music Smart

Common Misbehaviors:• Tapping a pencil or feet• Humming

Musical/RhythmicMusic Smart

Conductors, musicians, and sound technicians have a well developed musical/rhythmic

intelligence

Famous Examples

Conductors, musicians, and sound technicians have a well-developed

Music Smart.

Ella Fitzgerald

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

People Smart

Those who are People Smart have the ability to get along with almost everyone they meet and are almost never

shy!

People Smart

Is strong in:• Understanding people• Leading & Organizing• Communicating• Resolving conflicts

People Smart

Learns best through:• Sharing• Comparing• Relating• Interviewing

People Smart

Instructional strategies:• Collaborate on it• Interact with respect to it

People Smart

Common Misbehaviors:• Talking• Passing notes

InterpersonalPeople Smart

Salesmen, politicians, and religious leaders have a highly

developed interpersonal intelligence!

Famous Examples

Salesmen, politicians, and

religious leaders have a highly

developed interpersonal intelligence!

GandhiRonald Reagan

Self Smart

We use this intelligence when we think back to our own experiences and

examine them to gain self-awareness. You will also gain empathy, or knowing

how people feel.

Self Smart

Is strong in:• Understanding self• Recognizing one’s own strengths and weaknesses• Setting goals

Self Smart

Learns best through:• Working alone• Doing self-paced projects• Reflecting

Self Smart

Instructional strategies:• Connect it to your personal life • Make choices with regard to it

Self Smart

Common Misbehaviors:• Disagreeing with others• Inappropriate remarks to others

Self Smart

Religious leaders, psychologists, and philosophers all have highly

developed intrapersonal intelligences.

Famous Examples

Religious leaders, psychologists, and philosophers all have highly

developed intrapersonal intelligences.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Sigmund Freud

Nature Smart

People who are Nature Smart have the ability to identify their surroundings like flowers, birds,

and trees.

Nature Smart

Is strong in:• Understanding nature• Making distinctions• Identifying flora and fauna

Nature Smart

Learns best through:• Working in nature• Exploring living things• Learning about plants and natural events

Nature Smart

Instructional strategies:• Observe nature• Protect the environment• Appreciate surroundings

Nature Smart

Common Misbehaviors:• Staying outside too long • Collecting unusual specimens

Famous Examples

Botanists and gardeners are highly developed in Nature

Smart.

Luther Burbank Charles Darwin

Resources

Good Double Bubble Activity

Books

Multiple Intelligences by Dr. Spencer Kagan & Miguel Kagan

Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong

Multiple Intelligences Activities from Teacher Created Materials

Developing Students’ Multiple Intelligences by Kristen Nicholson-Nelson

Links• Special Education• Applying MI in Schools• Gardner’s Definitions and More• Email Teachers Who Use MI• Use All Your Smarts• Multiple Intelligences’ Test• Grades 3-6 MI Lesson Plans • Grades 7-12 MI Lesson Plans• Step-by-step MI Lesson Plan Guide• Online Workshops • List of More Resources