The theory of multiple intelligences is a model which differentiates it into specified "modalities", other than viewing intelligence as being dominated by one ability. The model of multiple intelligences was offered by Howard Gardner in the book book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
What is Intelligence?
As defined, intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. With this knowledge and skillset, an individual can utilize their talents to solve problems which they may confront in the classroom and in life. To expand on this notion, individuals all possess different strengths and weaknesses. In a study conducted by Dr. Howard Gardner, he identified seven distinct multiple intelligences (or ways in which we learn and understand reality). In fact, he believes there to be more than seven.
The Multiple Intelligences
1. Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence
The verbal/linguistic intelligence is responsible for language production including:
-poetry
-grammar
-figurative language
-reasoning
-speaking
-storytelling
-narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository writing
Wake this intelligence up!
a. Learn the meaning of one new word each day and try to use it in context during the day.
b. Keep a journal or write a blog about your daily experiences.
2. Logical/Mathematical Intelligence
The logical/mathematical intelligence usually coincides with scientific thinking or reasoning. Along these lines, inductive thinking is also involved. Inductive thinking is having the skills necessary to make objective observations, draw conclusions, create hypotheses, recognize patterns, working with abstract symbols, etc. This is usually aroused in situations which require problem solving, etc.
Wake this intelligence up!
a. Compare and contrast two objects using a Venn Diagram
b. Create a timeline charting the growth of the human species from the Cretaceous period.
3. Visual/Spatial Intelligence
The visual/spatial intelligence coincides with the visual arts (i.e. drawing, painting, architecture, etc.) Obviously, the key sensory component to this is the sense of sight, and the ability to create images within one’s mind.
Wake this intelligence up!
a. Visualize yourself living in a different time period (i.e the 1960’s). How do you see yourself? Have a fictitious conversation with a famous person from that era.
b. Whenever you’d like . . . begin to draw, doodle, diagram any image that a may come into your mind. Let your thoughts flow freely.
4. Body/Kinesthetic Intelligence
The body/kinesthetic intelligence is the body’s ability to express ideas, emotion, etc. In fact, active learning (learning by doing) is an integral component of a child’s education.
Wake this intelligence up!
a. Playing charades
b. Learn a new dance step
5. Musical/Rhythmic Intelligence
The musical/rhythmic intelligence is an individual’s ability to recognize rhythm, tones, sounds, etc. Whether you know or not, most of us used this intelligence early in our educational careers. By utilizing the ABC song, to learn our alphabet, we were engaging in the musical/rhythmic intelligence.
Wake this intelligence up!
a. Next time you’re asked to answer something, try singing your answer.
b. Listen to your iPod. Music can enhance one’s mood.
6. Interpersonal Intelligence
The interpersonal intelligence is one’s ability to work cooperatively with others, both verbally and non verbally. This intelligence also develops one’s capacity to observe people’s change in mood, disposition; and their intentions and motivations. Occupations that rely heavily on this include: teachers, therapists, counselors, etc.
Wake this intelligence up!
a. Engage in a conversation with someone you normally don’t talk to very often (not a stranger, though).
b. Try to guess what someone may be thinking by utilizing non verbal cues (i.e. posture, eye contact, etc.)
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence
The intrapersonal intelligence is an individual’s ability to recognize their own feelings, emotional responses, metacognition, and the ability for self reflection. In essence, it’s an ability to observe ourselves from the outside. Additionally, according to , this intelligence is by far the most personal and requires the other components for it to come to fruition.
Wake this intelligence up!
a. Self reflect on a task you’ve just completed. Analyze other ways of going about that particular activity; critiquing your performance.
b. Think to yourself “What do I really want to accomplish today?” Create a plan in your mind, and see if you can carry it out.
Multiple Intelligence Tools
Example Lesson Plan Utilizing Multiple Intelligences
By allowing children the opportunity to utilize different intelligences, over time it can improve their chances in dealing with challenges and problems they may experience in life. Therefore, it’s time to put these seven multiple intelligences to use within an educational context. Since my students really enjoy the topic of Pearl Harbor, we’ll take that as the subject to work with.
Logical/Mathematical
The vulnerability of Japanese naval codes and ciphers was crucial to the conduct of World War II, and had an important influence on foreign relations between Japan and the west in the years leading up to the war as well. Every Japanese code was eventually broken, and the intelligence gathered made possible such operations as the victorious American ambush of the Japanese Navy at Midway and the shooting down of Isoroku Yamamoto in Operation Vengeance.
The Bifid Cipher
Can you deciper the code below?
Verbal/Linguistic
Memorize the first (and arguably) most famous part of the Day of Infamy speech. Then present this portion of the speech for an audience.
Musical/Rhythmic
The percussion soundtrack in the movie Pearl Harbor is especially powerful. Practice the repetitive beat used in the movie on a table, drum, etc. with your hands or drumsticks.
Body/Kinesthetic
Choose a scene from the movie Pearl Harbor. Print or write out that portion of the script. Practice your lines and role play the scene with your partners.
Visual/Spatial
Think about the attack on Pearl Harbor. Fill in a three column t-chart (as shown below), as follows.
C = Shade in the first column with the color you think represents the attack on Pearl Harbor.
S = Draw a symbol that comes to mind, when you think of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
I = Illustrate an image or scene that comes to mind when you think of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Interpersonal
Think about the reasons why Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor. How would you have felt, if you were the leader of Japan? Why would you feel this way?
Intrapersonal
Find a quiet place in your home. Simply sit, close your eyes, and remember all those who lost their lives in this horrific tragedy in American history.
These are just an example of how to incorporate each of the multiple intelligences into an educational process. The options are truly limitless. By offering each of the activities above, I would be able to reach a strength and weakness of each and every child, in a creative and intuitive way.