Multiple Intelligences
Implications

The implications of this are enormous, for both teaching and learning. Just because some people have trouble learning in the logical-mathematical sense is no reason to assume they are not intelligent. They could be strong in one or several other areas. They could become more intelligent in that area through practice and special study. Also, they could probably compensate for their weakness in one area by using other areas of intelligence they are strong in or naturally prefer to use, providing the learning environment permits them to do so.

Designing Instruction Around Multiple Intelligence Theory

  1. Analyze lesson plans to ascertain which intelligences are being utilized with each activity:
    • verbal-linguistic,
    • logical-mathematical,
    • visual-spatial,
    • musical-rhythmic,
    • bodily-kinesthetic, or
    • naturalistic.
  2. Then ascertain if this same activity is interpersonal or intrapersonal. Interpersonal activities can draw upon cooperative learning techniques. Intrapersonal activities can be more self-paced, facilitating self-reflection so the new knowledge is incorporated better into the person's existing knowledge structures.
  3. Balance lesson types out so no one intelligence is over emphasized.
  4. Try and provide remedial lessons on a given topic using different "intelligences," so learners have another way of looking at the material.


Fostering Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence

This intelligence is activated by the spoken word, by reading (especially poetry), and by writing one's own thoughts, ideas, etc.

Here are some ideas for activating this intelligence:

Here are some key terms that are related to verbal-linguistic intelligence:

reading

vocabulary

formal speech

journals

writing

poetry

debates

speaking

humor

storytelling


Fostering Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

This intelligence is activated in problem-solving and or challenging situations.

Here are some ideas for activating this intelligence:

Here are some key terms that are related to logical-mathematical intelligence:

symbols

outlining

graphic organizers

number sequences

calculations

codes

concept relationships

syllogisms

problem solving

patterns


Fostering Visual-Spatial Intelligence

This intelligence is activated when a person must you mental imagery to accomplish something.

Here are some ideas for activating this intelligence:

Here are some key terms that are related to visual-spatial intelligence:

imagery

imagination

color schemes

designs

painting

drawing

mind maps

pretending

sculpture

pictures


Fostering Musical-Rhythmic Intelligence

This intelligence is activated when a person uses music and/or rhythm to accomplish something. When used, it is probably the most mood-altering form of intelligence.

Here are some ideas for activating this intelligence:

Here are some key terms that are related to musical-rhythmic intelligence:

rhythm patterns

tones

composition

vibrations

humming

environment sounds

instrument sounds

singing

tonal patterns

musical performance


Fostering Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

This intelligence is activated when a person uses their own body/physical action to accomplish something.

Here are some ideas for activating this intelligence:

Here are some key terms that are related to bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:

dance

role play

gestures

drama

martial arts

body language

exercise

mime

inventing

sports games


Fostering Interpersonal Intelligence

This intelligence is activated when a person interacts with others to accomplish something.

Here are some ideas for activating this intelligence:

Here are some key terms that are related to interpersonal intelligence:

giving feedback

intuition

cooperative learning

person-to-person

empathy

division of labor

collaborative skills

receiving feedback

sensing motives

group projects


Fostering Intrapersonal Intelligence

This intelligence is activated when a person utilizes self-reflection and thinking to accomplish something.

Here are some ideas for activating this intelligence:

 Here are some key terms that are related to intrapersonal intelligence:

silent reflection

metacognition

thinking strategies

emotional processing

self knowledge

mindfulness

focus & concentration skills

higher-order reasoning

complex guided imagery

centering


Fostering Naturalistic Intelligence

This intelligence is activated when a person utilizes some aspect of nature to accomplish something.

Here are some ideas for activating this intelligence:

 Here are some key terms that are related to naturalistic intelligence:

observer

classification

manipulation

nature

conservation

patterns

growing

environment

collect

awareness




Questions? Contact Brett Bixler.