In 1983, Howard Gardner proposed the theory of multiple intelligences. Although the theory has changed slighting overtime, Gardner came up with it because he felt the traditional idea of intelligence was incomplete. He instead used the idea of a variety of intelligences.
The multiple intelligences and their strengths are:
- Linguistic (words and language)
- Logical (logic and/or numbers)
- Bodily-kinesthetic (controlling bodily motion, playing sports and dancing)
- Visual-spatial (images and/or puzzles)
- Musical (sound and rhythm)
- Interpersonal (communicating with others)
- Intrapersonal (self-awareness)
- Naturalistic (understanding and relating to the natural world)
For many teachers, the theory of multiple intelligences makes perfect sense. Every teacher has had a student who could not write a strong paragraph but could solve the most challenging and complicated puzzles or math problems. What about the student who persistently taps their pencil continuously on their desk because it helps them?
Before teaching to accommodate students’ multiple intelligences, do these three things.
