MULTIPLE

INTELLIGEN
CE THEORY
Multiple Intelligence Theory
 When you hear the word intelligence,
the concept of IQ testing may
immediately come to mind. Intelligence
is often defined as our intellectual
potential; something we are born with,
something that can be measured, and a
capacity that is difficult to change.
 Introduction
 The theory of multiple intelligences was
first proposed by Howard Gardner in his
1983 book “Frames of Mind”, where he
broadens the definition of intelligence
and outlines several distinct types of
intellectual competencies.
Cont…
 Gardner developed a series of nine
inclusion criteria while evaluating each
"candidate” intelligence that was based
on a variety of scientific disciplines.

 He writes that we may all have these

intelligences, but our profile of these
intelligence may differ individually based
on genetics or experience.
What is Multiple Intelligence Theory?
 The theory of multiple intelligences is
Howard Gardner's theory that proposes
that people are not born with all of the
intelligence they will ever have.
 This theory challenged the traditional
notion that there is one single type of
intelligence, sometimes known as “g” for
general intelligence, that only focuses
on cognitive abilities.
Types of Intelligence
Gardner claims that all human beings have
multiple intelligences. These multiple
intelligences can be nurtured and
strengthened or ignored and weakened.
His research from 1991 identified seven
intelligences; in the intervening time, he
has come to believe there are a total of
nine intelligences:
Types of Intelligence
1. Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence
2. Mathematical-Logical Intelligence
3. Musical Intelligence
4. Visual-Spatial Intelligence
5. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
6. Interpersonal Intelligence
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence
8. Naturalist Intelligence
Name of Theory: Verbal Linguistic Intelligence

Definition: It deals with sensitivity to the spoken and

written language, ability to learn languages, and capacity
to use language to accomplish certain goals.
Application: Words, language, and writing.
Ask students to write in a journal regularly.
Give oral exams or essay test.

How to identify that kind of intelligence in children?

To help students to clarify thinking, have them use a tape
recorder to talk out loud about a problem or project
Have students think of as many thing as possible that
share a certain property, such as things that are round
(sun balloon etc) and encourage creative answer.
Name: Logical Mathematical Intelligence

Definition: The ability to think conceptually and abstractly,

and the capacity to discern logical or numerical patterns.

Application: Assign science labs and experiments.

Have students complete logic problems and games.
Like conducting scientific experiments.
Can solve complex computations.

How to identify that kind of intelligence in children?

Asks students to identify scientific principles in areas other
than science.
Find three random things(for example a blade of grass,
the word “long” and the process “jumping”) and ask
student to invent an object that uses all three.
Name: Musical Intelligence

Definition: People who have strong musical intelligence

are good at thinking in patterns, rhythms, and sounds.
They have a strong appreciation for music and are often
good at musical composition and performance
Application: Challenge students to identify and explain
patterns in music or poetry.
Ask students to write new lyrics to familiar melodies or
compose a new song
How to identify that kind of intelligence in children?
Recognize musical patterns and tones easily
Create discographies supplement list of bibliographies
with list of recorded music related to the class materials.
Also as a part of homework assignment, have students
selects music that best demonstrates lesson themes.
Name: Visual Spatial Intelligence

Definition: The capacity to think in images and pictures,

to visualize accurately and abstractly.

Application: Read and write for enjoyment

Invite students to create classes, murals, and posters.
Encourage students to illustrate their ideas using maps,
charts, and graphs.

How to identify that kind of intelligence in children?

Interpret pictures, graphs, and charts well
Enjoy drawing, painting, and the visual arts to recognize
patterns easily.
Draw an unusual shape and have each students and
include it in a drawing of his or her own.
Name: Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence
Definition: The ability to control one's body movements
and to handle objects skillfully.
Application: Challenge students to write and perform
plays.
Have students build models or use other hands-on
techniques to show what they learned.
Enjoy creating things with his or her hands.
How to identify that kind of intelligence in children?
Classroom theater, students can out the materials to be
learned through role playing.
Asks students what they like to eat for lunch and have
them act out the answers in a game of charades.
Play unusual or difficult to recognize sounds and ask
students to imagine what they might be.
Name: Interpersonal Intelligence
Definition: The capacity to detect and respond
appropriately to the moods, motivations and desires of
others.
Application: Stage a classroom debate.
Have students work collaboratively to brainstorm and
prepare a project.
How to identify that kind of intelligence in children?
Set up a class “buddy system” so students can share and
develop ideas with the same person over a period of time.
Make learning a fun and cooperative effort with class
made board games. Using the file folders, dice, and small
game pieces etc.
Name: Intrapersonal Intelligence

Definition: The capacity to be self-aware and in tune with

inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking processes.

Application: Ask students to identify their own strengths

and weaknesses.
Have students think of personal goals and give progress
report.

How to identify that kind of intelligence in children?

Start individual or class scrapbooks for remembering
special events.
List three thing you’d like to learn today.(short term)
What do you want to be doing ten years from now?(long
term)
Name: Naturalistic Intelligence

Definition: The ability to recognize and categorize plants,

animals and other objects in nature.

Application: Asks students to keep environmental

journals and share their observations.
Invite students to lead classmates on a nature walk and
point out interesting plants and animals they found on
independent study.
How to identify that kind of intelligence in children?
Show picture of various animals or plants and ask
students to figure out what they have in common.
Give certain basic guiding principles, ask students to
describe an animal, ecosystem, and natural entity.
Criticism
Gardner’s theory has come under criticism
from both psychologists and educators.
These critics argue that Gardner’s
definition of intelligence is too broad and
that his nine different "intelligences" simply
represent talents, personality traits, and
abilities. Gardner’s theory also suffers from
a lack of supporting empirical research.