Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles Overview

Multiple Intelligences

A theory describing the different ways students learn and acquire information, including the use of words, numbers, pictures, and music, as well as social interactions, introspection, physical movement, and being in tune with nature.

Howard Gardner

Psychologist who developed the Multiple Intelligences Theory in 1983, claiming that people have eight independent ways of processing information.

Verbal-linguistic intelligence

Well-developed verbal skills and sensitivity to the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words.

Logical-mathematical intelligence

Ability to think conceptually and abstractly, and capacity to discern logical and numerical patterns.

Spatial-visual intelligence

Capacity to think in images and pictures, to visualize accurately and abstractly.

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence

Ability to control one's body movements and to handle objects skillfully.

Musical intelligence

Ability to produce and appreciate rhythm, pitch and timbre.

Interpersonal intelligence

Capacity to detect and respond appropriately to the moods, motivations and desires of others.

Intrapersonal intelligence

Capacity to be self-aware and in tune with inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking processes.

Naturalist intelligence

Ability to recognize and categorize plants, animals and other objects in nature.

Existential intelligence

Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence such as, 'What is the meaning of life? Why do we die? How did we get here?'

Learning preferences

Different types of learning styles that can help identify a student's strengths and weaknesses.

Assessment tasks

Activities and tests developed for students based on their learning styles.

Practical applications of Multiple Intelligences Theory

Activities based on the intelligences that help students develop all of their learning strengths.

Kirk (2021)

Source that discusses the importance of understanding different learning preferences and theories.

Tophat Glossary

Source that defines Multiple Intelligences.

Northern Illinois University Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning

Official website that presented the eight multiple intelligences.

Picture smarts

The ability to think in images and visualize concepts.

Nature smarts

The ability to understand and interact with the natural world.

Logic smarts

The ability to use logic, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

Word smarts

The ability to use language effectively, both in writing and speaking.

Intrapersonal smarts

The ability to understand oneself and one's thoughts and feelings.

Visual learners

Those who prefer to learn through images, graphs, maps, and drawings.

Auditory learners

Students who prefer to learn by hearing and speaking new information.

Tactile/kinesthetic learners

Students who prefer to learn by experiencing, touching, and performing tasks.

Counting money with real coins

An example of a tactile/kinesthetic learner approach.

Pointing to words while reading

An activity that uses both auditory and visual skills.

Studying a map

A visual task used to learn geography.

Learning preferences

Ways students prefer to have lessons delivered to them.

Multiple intelligences

The theory that suggests individuals have different kinds of intelligences.

Holistic activities

Activities that help develop more than one strength at a time.

Kirk (2021)

An author who explained that learning preferences focus on how students process information.

Gardner's theory

A theory that suggests the education system should align with students' learning styles.

Educational content retention

Students learn and retain more when content is delivered in various ways.

Real coins for counting

A method to engage tactile/kinesthetic learners.

Reading aloud

An activity that supports auditory learning.

Map study

An example of a visual learning activity.

Teaching style

The method a teacher uses to deliver lessons.

Learning styles

Commonly referred to as the preferred way of learning, but more accurately described as learning preferences.