Multiple Intelligences

Dr. Howard Gardner, Professor of Education at Harvard University, developed the theory of Multiple Intelligence (MI). He wrote Frames of Mind, and in his book identified 7 distinct intelligences and corresponding styles of learning. Understanding your child’s preferred learning style should help you determine the best teaching style to use to optimize your child’s learning.

1. LINGUISTIC LEARNER-these children have excellent verbal and language skills (reading, writing, and speaking). They appreciate and use metaphors, analogies, various forms of humor, and play with language. They learn and express themselves best through oral and written language.

2. LOGICAL MATHEMATICAL LEARNER-these children are number smart. They are skilled at manipulating numbers, problem solving and analytical reasoning: are good at interpreting data, figuring things out, exploring abstract patterns and relationships; and are strong in math and science. They learn best through having opportunities to experiment, search for patterns, and make their own discoveries.

3. SPATIAL LEARNER- these children are skilled at visualizing, perceiving, and recreating aspects of the spatial world. They use they mind’s eye making mental pictures, and are excellent at drawing, constructing, designing, creating, building, painting, and imaging. They learn best through visual presentation and opportunity to engage in artistic activities.

4. BODILY-KINESTHETIC LEARNER-these children are body smart. They excel in physical activities. They learn best by doing-through active learning, movement, and hands-on activities.

5. MUSICAL LEARNER-these children are musically gifted. They recognize, appreciate and are attuned to rhythm, melody, pitch, tone. They learn best through music. They often request background music when they are working.

6. INTERPERSONAL LEARNER- these children are people smart. They are sensitive and attuned to others’ feelings, moods, and desires and motivations. They are empathetic and understanding of others needs. They are often leaders and mediators of conflicts. They learn best through interaction with others ( cooperative learning and games with partners/groups.)

7. INTRAPERSONAL LEARNER-these children are self smart. They know and understand themselves well. They are introspective, often dreamers, and are able to recognize and pursue their own goals and interests. They learn best working at their own pace, in their own space, on individualized projects.