The Eight Intelligences

Everyone has more than one type of intelligence. In the book Frames of Mind, Harvard professor Howard Gardner introduced the theory of multiple intelligences. There is no evidence that intelligence comes in particular patterns or that some tend to be associated with others. The different intelligences identified by Gardner, can come in all different combinations.

The Intelligences Defined:

Though there could be more, keep in mind these are the eight intelligences Gardner identifies.

Verbal/Linguistic* - Also called simply verbal intelligence, verbal/linguistic is different from the other intelligences because everyone who speaks can be said to possess it at some level, although it is clear that some people are more linguistically talented than others. Verbal intelligence expresses itself in words, both written and oral, and in auditory skills. They like to read, write, and speak and they like to play with words. They are often seen as possessing high levels of the other intelligences simply because standard testing tools usually rely on verbal responses, no matter which type of intelligence is being assessed.

Logical/Math* - This intelligence includes scientific ability. It is the kind of intelligence that is often called "critical thinking." People with this kind of intelligence like to do things with data; they see patterns and relationships. They like to solve mathematical problems and play strategy games, such as checkers and chess. They tend to use graphic organizers both to please themselves and to present their information to others. This type of intelligence is highly valued in our technological society.

Visual/Spatial - This is sometimes called visual intelligence. People with this type of intelligence tend to think in pictures and learn best from visual presentations such as movies, pictures, videos, and demonstrations using models and props. They like to draw, paint, or sculpt their ideas and often represent mood and feelings through art. They are good at reading maps and diagrams and they enjoy solving mazes and putting together jigsaw puzzles. Visual/spatial intelligence is often experienced and expressed through daydreaming, imagining, and pretending.

Music/Rhythmic - People with this kind of intelligence are sensitive to sounds, environmental as well as musical. They often sing, whistle, or hum while engaging in other activities. They love to listen to music; they may collect cds and mp3s, and often play an instrument. They sing on key and can remember and vocally reproduce melodies. They may move rhythmically in time to music (or to an activity) or make up rhythms and songs to help them remember facts and other information. If this intelligence is not recognized as a talent, it is often treated as a behavior problem.

Bodily/Kinesthetic - People with this kind of intelligence Process information through the sensations they feel in their bodies. They like to move around, act things out, and touch the people they are talking to. They are good at both small and large muscle skills and enjoy physical activities and sports of all kinds. They prefer to communicate information by demonstrating or modeling. They can express emotion and mood through dance.

Interpersonal - This is evident in the person who enjoys friends and social activities of all kinds and is reluctant to be alone. People with this kind of intelligence enjoy working in groups, learn while interacting and cooperating, and often serve as mediators in case of disputes, both in a school situation or at home. Cooperative learning methods could have been designed just for them, and probably the designers of cooperative learning activities as an instructional method have this kind of intelligence also.

Intrapersonal - This intelligence is shown through a deep awareness of inner feelings. This is the intelligence that allows people to understand themselves, their abilities, and opinions. People with intrapersonal intelligence tend to be independant and self-directed and have strong opinions on controversial subjects. They have a great sense of self-confidence and enjoy working on their own projects and just being alone.

Naturalist - Naturalist intelligence deals with sensing patterns in and making connections to elements in nature. Children possessing this type of intelligence may have a strong affinity to the outside world or to animals, and this interest often begins at an early age. They may enjoy subjects, shows and stories that deal with animals or natural phenomena. Or they may show unusual interest in subjects like biology, zoology, botany, geology, meteorology, paleontology, or astronomy. People possessing nature smarts are keenly aware of their surroundings and changes in their environment, even if these changes are at minute or subtle levels. Their heightened senses may help them notice similarities, differences and changes in their surroundings more rapidly than others. People with naturalistic intelligence may be able to categorize or catalogue things easily too. Frequently, they may notice things others might not be aware of. As children these people often like to collect, classify, or read about things from nature -- rocks, fossils, butterflies, feathers, shells, and the like.

* - Verbal/Linguistic and Logical/Mathematical intelligences are the most recognized, appreciated, and taught. They are the intelligences that assure success in school.

Jasmine, J. (2002). Multiple intelligence activities: Grades 5-8. Westminster, CA: Teacher Created Materials.