In 1983 Howard Gardner published his first book on a subject that would revolutionize the way we understand human beings to understand, process and learn new information.   “Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences”, published by Basic Books, details seven identifiable forms of multiple intelligence (MI), revealing the various ways human beings think, learn and understand the world around them.  With the help of LDPride.net, I’ve included a brief break down of the seven types of MI, which inform us of the different ways we understand students to learn:

1.   Visual/Spatial Intelligence

The ability to visualize using spatial or visual elements.  These learners tend to think using pictures, graphs, videos and movies, retaining information most efficiently when vivid mental images are integrated as part of the educational experience.

2.     Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence

The ability to use words and language using highly developed auditory skills.  These learners tend to think in words as opposed to pictures.  These students are keen listeners, strong readers, writers and storytellers.  They are particularly adept at remembering information, conveying knowledge and convincing others of their point of view.  They learn best by taking notes, listening to lectures and discussing what they have learned.

3.     Logical/Mathematical Intelligence

The ability to think using logic conceptually, being able to pinpoint patterns between multiple pieces of information to make greater connections.  These students are adept at problem solving, categorizing information, performing complex mathematical calculations and working with geometric shapes.  Generally these students’ strengths traditionally lie in the field of mathematics though their strong suite is more strongly correlated with reasoning abilities, logic, scientific thinking and investigation.

4.     Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence

These learners express themselves through body movements and are able to handle objects skillfully.  These students are stronger in physical activities and generally have stronger hand-eye coordination skills than other students.

5.     Musical/Rhythmic Intelligence

These learners have a higher sensitivity to sounds, rhythms, tones and music than others.  They are able to sing, play musical instruments and write their own music.  There is a strong correlation to auditory, or hearing based learning, with these learners learning best through lectures

6.     Interpersonal Intelligence

Learners with interpersonal intelligence have a strong sensitivity to others’ emotions, moods, feelings and motivations.  They are particularly strong in cooperative exercises and learn best when working with others.

7.     Intrapersonal Intelligence

Intrapersonal learners have enhanced self-reflective abilities; intuitive in nature, adept at understanding their inner feelings, dreams, strengths and weaknesses.  Students with these skills evaluate their reasoning, thinking patterns, helping them better understand their role in relationship to others.

By understanding the diversity of human intelligence, educators and parents are better able to cater the education students receive, on an individual level, helping students learn in ways they learn best.   Gardner’s theory on MI has strongly affected the traditional educational experience, supported by qualitative studies on student learning, proving that teaching to MI alone is capable of increasing student scores[1].

Gardner’s theory on MI has helped usher in an era of student centered learning, as opposed to the strictly lecture format of the “old school” perspectives on education.   Middle School Mathematics instructor Gretchen Buher notes in an article titled “Math for Multiple Intelligence” that “by some estimates, only 20 percent of adults are auditory learners, and even fewer kids fit into this category”[2] illustrating the need to move away from a strictly lecture based classroom.  Sol Lederman’s Wild About Math blog is a great resource for parents and educators looking to integrate MI approaches to their child/students’ education.  His post reviewing “Multiple Intelligences in the Mathematics Classroom” was particularly useful.

So what then, is the answer? Keep students engaged by assisting students becoming independent thinkers.  Provide opportunities for students to demonstrate what they’ve learned independently and in groups, allowing a degree of freedom for students to experience hands on learning .  Imagine how the integration of art, group work and independent thought is capable of transforming a simple lesson in addition, into an opportunity for every student to understand and shine in their own way.  Education is about so much more preparing students to bubble in the correct answer in a standardized test.  In the words of Gretchen Buher, the key is to help students become “problem solvers and thinkers, not just memorizers”, which is at the core of of what teaching to multiple intelligences is all about.