What is Multiple Intelligences?
The basic idea
Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences framework broadened the conversation about human abilities beyond a single measure of intellectual performance. The framework identifies several forms of intellectual strength, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic abilities.
For educators, the most useful application is to ask: What are several meaningful ways students can enter this idea, work with it, and demonstrate what they understand?
The eight intelligences used in this program
Linguistic - Word Smart
Reading, writing, speaking, storytelling, discussion, vocabulary, and argument.
Logical-Mathematical - Number and Reasoning
Quantities, patterns, relationships, evidence, classification, logic, and problem solving.
Spatial - Picture Smart
Images, diagrams, maps, models, design, visualization, and spatial relationships.
Bodily-Kinesthetic - Body Smart
Movement, hands-on construction, demonstrations, role-play, and physical interaction.
Musical - Music Smart
Rhythm, melody, sound patterns, performance, listening, and musical structure.
Interpersonal - People Smart
Collaboration, discussion, peer teaching, perspective taking, and social problem solving.
Intrapersonal - Self Smart
Reflection, goal setting, self-monitoring, personal connections, and independent work.
Naturalistic - Nature Smart
Observation, classification, living systems, patterns in nature, and environmental connections.
Use MI as a planning lens
- Start with the standard, learning target, or essential question.
- Decide what students must understand or be able to do.
- Choose approaches that genuinely strengthen that learning.
- Provide appropriate choices in how students engage, access information, practice, or demonstrate understanding.
- Assess the learning goal itself rather than grading a student's supposed "intelligence type."