Understanding the Multiple Intelligences

If you have been around children for any length of time you will know that no two are alike. Yes, there will be similarities but it is clear that children learn and approach learning in different ways. Whether you are a trained professional or a home school parent it is important to observe your child or children so that you can figure out how they learn best. If you can gain insight into how they learn then you can tailor activities towards them. One of the beauties of homeschooling is that you can create a learning environment that is adapted and suited to your learners. Even if you are educating a classroom full of students getting to know their learning styles will help you as an educator curtail your lessons to meet the needs of your students.

Quick reference: back in 1983 a psychologist by the name of Howard Gardner presented a theory about Multiple Intelligences. In his research, he stated that children learn through a variety modalities. This theory states that children acquire and learn information in different ways. While I don’t think that this is a hard and fast way to approach educating children; I feel that if you can learn more about how your children learn then you can better meet their needs as an educator.

Gardner stated that there were approximately six intelligence types however since he presented his findings that list has grown and I will be sharing a bit about each learning style.

This list is presented in no particular order and should be used as a reference not as a hard and fast rule for educating your child. I encourage you to do your own research if you would like to learn more about this idea.

Verbal-linguistic intelligence: Someone who presents with a high level of verbal intelligence can easily learn new languages and understand how to use language to achieve goals. They can easily manipulate language and might be considered “word smart”.  Students who are highly verbal can compile facts and present research in front of large groups. They enjoy and excel with public speaking engagements.

Logical-mathematical intelligence: Someone who presents with a high level of logical intelligence can excel with tasks that require abstract thinking. They thrive in orderly situations and can apply mathematical thinking skills to real world situations. Children who are highly logical thinkers are sometimes referred to as “number smart”. They can complete mathematical operations with ease and often go on to develop proofs or equations that help to address everyday problems.

Spatial-visual intelligence: Someone who presents with a high level of spatial intelligence is usually called “picture smart”. They can manipulate patterns in both confined areas as well as wide spaces. Someone who can manipulate patterns in confined spaces work well with maps, a chess game or table puzzles. These highly defined small spaces allow the visual learner to see and manipulate the big picture. Some visual learners can see the patterns in wide spaces and work well with larger bodies of work. A pilot for example is usually highly visual because he or she can manipulate large scale maps and navigational instruments.

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: Someone who presents with a high level of bodily or kinesthetic intelligence is usually called “body smart”. They can use their whole bodies or parts of their bodies to solve problems. These learners are highly skilled at tasks that engage the whole body. Educators can encourage them to use their whole bodies when learning new concepts as it helps them to retain important information.  

Musical intelligence: Someone who presents with a high level of musical intelligence as you may guess is considered “music smart”. This refers to someone’s ability to compose, appreciate musical patterns, and or perform. Someone with a high music aptitude can often produce and analyze pitch, rhythm and sound. This is also true for those who can use their whole bodies to perform a dance and or play an instrument.

Interpersonal intelligence: Someone who presents with a high level of interpersonal skills is said to be “people smart”. They are very in tuned with others and can detect and explore the intentions, moods and desires of others. They can use their skills to effectively work well with others in group situations. They are very good at “reading the room” and therefore make great group members when forming teams.

Intra-personal intelligence: Someone who presents with a high level of intra-personal intelligence is said to be “self-aware or self-smart”. These students know exactly what they need to excel. They know their own needs and desires and have the capabilities to advocate for themselves. Self-regulation is an area of strength for these learners.

Naturalist intelligence: someone who presents with a high level of naturalistic intelligence is very in tuned with nature and is called “nature smart”. These learners are very in tuned with the natural environment and can easily identify specific species of flora and fauna in a region. Students who excel in this area usually know specific scientific information beyond general knowledge and have a deep desire to know even more.

So, this was just a quick review of the various ways in which students learn. It is important to know that every child learns in his or her own way and at his or her own pace. Observations will aid greatly in determining which of the Multiple Intelligences your child leans on more when learning new information and when engaging with their learning environment.

So, you might be asking yourself: How can I apply this knowledge in the learning environment?

Well, if you know you are working with a kinesthetic learner then provide more hands-on experiences for them that will engage their whole bodies.Children who are musically inclined might benefit from you playing music in the background while they work. If you know your child has strong interpersonal skills then keep that in mind with creating teams or groups for projects etc.

The multiple intelligences should not rule all your decisions. You need to consider the whole child when creating curriculum and or activities. You are a whole person and we need to remember that when thinking about your learners. I encourage you to do some observations as well as your own research in order to get a greater understanding of this theory of thought. In addition, there are free online surveys you can use to help your narrow down your child’s learning style.

I know in our family I have two highly verbal children and one that is more kinesthetic. That information helps me when planning our lessons as I know what to expect from them. I know the kinds of tasks to assign to help them reach their full potential. I also know that while they might be strong in some areas, I know the areas where they might need more support. I understand that not every assignment can be tailored to a child’s dominant learning style. There will be times when they just have to write the paper or will have to learn the steps to solving a math problem. In those instances, knowing them more deeply will help me to provide support, accommodations and or adaptations that will aid in their success.

Do you use the theory of the Multiple Intelligences in your practice? How has this knowledge helped in your learning environment?

Leave a comment below to let me know all about it!