What is Multiple Intelligence (MI)?
Dr. Gardner explains his Multiple Intelligence theory in a short 8 minute video.
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(Purefoy, 2009)
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Psychology Dr. Howard Gardner has a theory which indicates that all individuals learn differently. This theory is referred to as the Multiple Intelligence theory. As an educator, this theory is helpful for me as it allows me to recognize the learning styles of my students and plan my teaching style accordingly. By understanding and identifying the multiple intelligences of the students, I am able to provide accommodations and use teaching strategies that best promote student success.
Dr. Gardner has come up with a list of seven intelligences that he states all individuals possess however, their strength is in one or two intelligences (Smith, 2002, 2008). These intelligences, or learning styles, are as follows:
"Visual Spatial - think in terms of physical space...Very aware of their environments. They like to draw, do jigsaw puzzles, read maps, daydream. They can be taught through drawings, verbal and physical imagery. Tools include models, graphics, charts, photographs, drawings, 3-D modeling, video...multimedia, texts with pictures/charts/graphs
Bodily-kinesthetic - use the body effectively...Keen sense of body awareness. They like movement, making things, touching. They communicate well through body language and [can] be taught through physical activity, hands-on learning, acting out, role playing. Tools include equipment and real objects.
Musical - show sensitivity to rhythm and sound. They love music, but they are also sensitive to sounds in their environments. They may study better with music in the background. They can be taught by turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically, tapping out time. Tools include musical instruments, music, radio, stereo, CD-ROM, [and] multimedia.
Interpersonal - understanding, interacting with others. These students learn through interaction. They have many friends, empathy for others, street smarts. They can be taught through group activities, seminars, dialogues. Tools include...conferencing, time and attention from the instructor...[and] writing...
Intrapersonal - understanding one's own interests, goals. These learners tend to shy away from others. They're in tune with their inner feelings; they have wisdom, intuition and motivation, as well as a strong will, confidence and opinions. They can be taught through independent study and introspection. Tools include books, creative materials, diaries, privacy and time. They are the most independent of the learners.
Linguistic - using words effectively. These learners have highly developed auditory skills and often think in words. They like reading, playing word games, making up poetry or stories. They can be taught by encouraging them to say and see words, read books together. Tools include computers, games, multimedia, books, [and] tape recorders...
Logical -Mathematical - reasoning, calculating. Think conceptually, abstractly and are able to see and explore patterns and relationships. They like to experiment, solve puzzles, ask cosmic questions. They can be taught through logic games, investigations, mysteries. They need to learn and form concepts before they can deal with details." (Lane, n.d.)
The chart below provides a summary of Dr. Gardner's intelligiences and includes the 'naturalist intelligence' as well.
Dr. Gardner has come up with a list of seven intelligences that he states all individuals possess however, their strength is in one or two intelligences (Smith, 2002, 2008). These intelligences, or learning styles, are as follows:
"Visual Spatial - think in terms of physical space...Very aware of their environments. They like to draw, do jigsaw puzzles, read maps, daydream. They can be taught through drawings, verbal and physical imagery. Tools include models, graphics, charts, photographs, drawings, 3-D modeling, video...multimedia, texts with pictures/charts/graphs
Bodily-kinesthetic - use the body effectively...Keen sense of body awareness. They like movement, making things, touching. They communicate well through body language and [can] be taught through physical activity, hands-on learning, acting out, role playing. Tools include equipment and real objects.
Musical - show sensitivity to rhythm and sound. They love music, but they are also sensitive to sounds in their environments. They may study better with music in the background. They can be taught by turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically, tapping out time. Tools include musical instruments, music, radio, stereo, CD-ROM, [and] multimedia.
Interpersonal - understanding, interacting with others. These students learn through interaction. They have many friends, empathy for others, street smarts. They can be taught through group activities, seminars, dialogues. Tools include...conferencing, time and attention from the instructor...[and] writing...
Intrapersonal - understanding one's own interests, goals. These learners tend to shy away from others. They're in tune with their inner feelings; they have wisdom, intuition and motivation, as well as a strong will, confidence and opinions. They can be taught through independent study and introspection. Tools include books, creative materials, diaries, privacy and time. They are the most independent of the learners.
Linguistic - using words effectively. These learners have highly developed auditory skills and often think in words. They like reading, playing word games, making up poetry or stories. They can be taught by encouraging them to say and see words, read books together. Tools include computers, games, multimedia, books, [and] tape recorders...
Logical -Mathematical - reasoning, calculating. Think conceptually, abstractly and are able to see and explore patterns and relationships. They like to experiment, solve puzzles, ask cosmic questions. They can be taught through logic games, investigations, mysteries. They need to learn and form concepts before they can deal with details." (Lane, n.d.)
The chart below provides a summary of Dr. Gardner's intelligiences and includes the 'naturalist intelligence' as well.