Multiple Intelligence Theory

According to Gardener, An Intelligence is “a bio-psychological potential to process

information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products
that are of value in a culture”.

Theory of Multiple Intelligence was proposed by Harvard Psychologist Howard

Gardener. The theory of multiple Intelligences differentiates Intelligence into specific
modalities, rather than seeing intelligence as dominated by a single General ability.
Howard Gardner proposed this model in 1983 in his book “Frames of mind; The
theory of multiple intelligences”. According to Gardner, All people have different
kinds of “Intelligence”. Gardner proposed that there are eight Intelligence and has
suggested the possible addition of a Ninth known as ‘existential Intelligence’.

1. Verbal Linguistic:
People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence display a facility with words and
languages. It is the capacity to use words effectively, whether orally (e.g., as a
storyteller, orator, or politician) or in writing (e.g., as a poet, playwright, editor, or
journalist).

2. Logical — Mathematical:
This is related to logic, abstractions, Reasoning, numbers and critical thinking. It is
the capacity to use numbers effectively (e.g., as a mathematician, tax accountant, or
statistician) and to reason well (e.g., as a scientist, computer programmer, or
logician).

3. Visual-Spatial:
It is ability to perceive the visual-spatial world accurately (e.g., as a hunter, scout, or
guide) and to perform transformations upon those perceptions (e.g., as an interior
decorator, architect, artist, or inventor).

4. Bodily — Kinesthetic:
People with bodily — Kinesthetic intelligences are skilled at using their body to
convey feelings and ideas. Expertise in using one's whole body to express ideas and
feelings (e.g., as an actor, a mime, an athlete, or a dancer) and facility in using one's
hands to produce or transform things (e.g., as a craftsperson, sculptor, mechanic, or
surgeon).

5. Musical — Rhythmic and harmonic:

It is the capacity to perceive musical forms (e.g., as a music aficionado), discriminate
musical forms (e.g., as a music critic), transform musical forms (e.g., as a composer),
and express musical forms (e.g., as a performer)

6. Interpersonal Intelligences:
The ability to perceive and make distinctions in the moods, intentions, motivations,
and feelings of other people (e.g as sales persons, politicians, managers, teachers,
lectures, counselors and social workers.)

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 Multiple Intelligence Theory

 It involves effective verbal and non-verbal communication, the ability to note

distinctions among others, sensitivity to the mood and temperaments of
others`

7. Intrapersonal:
Introspections and self-reflective capacities having a deep understanding of the self,
what one’s strength or weaknesses are,
- What makes one Unique, being able to predict one’s own reactions or emotions.
 “With in the self’, another nation for self-awareness or introspection.
 People who have intrapersonal intelligences are aware of their emotions,
motivations.

8. Naturalistic:
Not part of Gardner’s Original seven, Naturalistic Intelligence was proposed by him
in 1995.
 Nurturing and relating Information to one’s natural surroundings.
 Classifying natural forms such as animal and plant species and rocks and
mountain types
This sort of ecological receptiveness is deeply rooted in a sensitive, ethical and
holistic understanding of the world and its complexities — including the role of
humanity within the greater ecospheres.

Existential Intelligence:
Gardner didn’t want to commit to a spiritual intelligence but suggested than an
“existential” intelligence may be useful.
 Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence such
as the meaning of life, why we die and how did we get here, about human
existence.
 Involves an individual’s ability to use collective values and intuition to
understand others and the world around them.

Educational Implications:
1. Linguistic: Read to children and let them read.
2. Logical-Mathematical: Play game of the logic with children.
3. Spatial: Give chances to children to draw and create charts.
4. Bodily: provides areas where children can play indoor or outdoor games.
5. Intra-Personal: Encourage children to develop their hobbies and interests.
6. Inter-Personal: Encourage children to work in groups.
7. Musical: Provide opportunity the students to participate I the cultural
programmes.
8. Naturalistic: Encourage children in outdoor naturalistic activity life,
gardening etc.

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