Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences: 9 Types of Intelligence

Multiple Intelligences?

Every individual on this planet is uniquely different from one another, distinguished by characteristics such as skin color, physical appearance, height, religion, nature, and caste. These differences are evident in psychological, physical, and social aspects, making each person’s nature distinct. As we grow, this uniqueness becomes increasingly apparent.

According to Howard Gardner, intelligence refers to the unique way a person thinks of the solution and solves problems. In a concise way, whatever a human does, he uses his mind to think what, why, and how he will do that. This rational thinking depends on their intelligence. In education, how a child learns is called intelligence. It is important to know the intelligence difference between students to set the curriculum and teaching methods.

Theory of Multiple Intelligence

Gardner believed that the brain is not made up of a single type of intelligence but is made up of multiple intelligences, which helps humans think differently. He identified seven abilities of students in which they learn their subjects and called them intelligence. After around a decade, he introduced an eighth intelligence into his theory.

Types of Intelligence

Gardner proposed 8 types of intelligence:-

1. Linguistic Intelligence: This type of intelligence is found in those people who have strong linguistic abilities and can use their own native or any other language to understand others or communicate with them. They can easily learn any language as they find it interesting. These types of students want to learn through reading the content. Writers, orators, and lexicographers have this intelligence. Writers use their language ability to manipulate words in innovative ways.

   This type of intelligence is found in those people who have strong linguistic abilities and can use their own native or any other language to understand others or communicate with them. They can easily learn any language as they find it interesting. These types of students want to learn through reading the content. Writers, orators, and lexicographers have this intelligence. Writers use their language ability to manipulate words in innovative ways.

2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: In logical-mathematical intelligence, students have strong calculations, and they find math easy to solve. In your class, you can easily identify those students who have above-average ability in math and solve sums quicker than the rest of the class. They also have above-average ability in logic. For example, scientists and mathematicians have this intelligence because they easily manipulate numbers as they want.
3. Spatial Intelligence: In spatial intelligence, people have an extraordinary ability to abstractly think about the spatial world. Sculptors, painters, architects, and interior designers come into this category, as they abstractly think of space and make realistic plans. Spatial intelligence is also used in anatomy and topology. Students having spatial intelligence should be taught through movement games, Rubik’s Cube, and blocks, etc., as teachers; you should provide ample opportunities for developing spatial intelligence.
4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: In this type of intelligence, people utilize their entire body or specific body parts to solve problems, create something new, showcase their skills, and perform in events. Students with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence require teaching methods that incorporate movement. They tend to lose interest in traditional classroom settings, where they’re expected to sit and listen to their teacher or read books. You may have noticed that some students excel in sports but struggle with mathematics or languages, which is often attributed to their bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. Examples of individuals with this intelligence include athletes, dancers, sportspersons, and gymnasts.
5. Musical Intelligence: You may have observed that some students find it easier to learn answers through rhythmic patterns rather than reading paragraphs. People with musical intelligence have a natural affinity for music, enjoying listening, creating new rhythms, and manipulating patterns. They possess a remarkable ability to recognize, remember, and appreciate music. Additionally, they are highly sensitive to vibrations, lyrics, and sounds. Examples of individuals with musical intelligence include musicians, singers, and lyricists.
   Note: Musical intelligence often emerges earlier than other types of intelligence. 
6. Interpersonal Intelligence: People having this intelligence understand other people. They know others’ feelings, thinking, likes, dislikes, moods, and intentions. They are very good at communication because they easily make others understand what they want to say. To facilitate this intelligence, you should promote group learning and peer learning in your class so students will understand their partner’s mindset and thinking. Teachers, psychologists, counselors, and politicians are examples of interpersonal intelligence.
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence: Intrapersonal intelligent people know about themselves, their own identity, existence, needs, thinking, moods, and more. They know their strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, and what they want. Philosophers, spiritual leaders, and ascetics come under this intelligence. Give your students tasks that give them the opportunity to reflect on what they think about themselves, their strengths, weaknesses, and what they want to do in their life.
8. Naturalistic Intelligence: The naturalistic intelligence was added later as the eighth intelligence. In this intelligence, people possess the ability to understand the intricate relationship between humans and nature. They can easily recognize, categorize, and differentiate between various types of plants, soil, rocks, animals, and land. Individuals with naturalistic intelligence have a deep affection for nature and enjoy spending time in it. Farmers, tourists, botanists, zoologists, and bird watchers are exemplary instances of this intelligence. To facilitate children’s learning, you should connect their studies with the environment and foster sensitivity towards the world around them.
   

Educational Implications

• Personalized Learning: Teachers can focus on developing each child’s unique skills and interests, preparing them for future success.
• Active Learning: Hands-on experiences, games, puzzles, and interactive activities help students retain information and stay engaged.
• Critical Thinking: Encouraging logical thinking in the classroom fosters rational thought and problem-solving skills.
• Differentiated Instruction: Using varied teaching methods cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring every child feels involved and confident.
• Effective Communication: Developing linguistic intelligence through language-focused activities enhances communication skills and builds confidence.
• Experiential Learning: Incorporating physical movement into subjects like physics facilitates deeper understanding and retention.
• Diverse Electives: Offering classes in music, dance, crafts, gardening, and physical education caters to various interests and intelligences.
• Self-Awareness: Recognizing and understanding individual strengths and weaknesses helps students strengthen their abilities.
• Nurturing Potential: Identifying and cultivating diverse intelligences enables students to reach their full potential.
• Inclusive Learning: Embracing unique intelligences creates a supportive environment where students feel valued, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses.

Criticism of Gardner’s Theory

• Gardner lacked clear definitions of his given intelligences.
• He didn’t provide measurement tools, making the intelligence blurry.
• He didn’t have sufficient evidence to support the theory.
• It is difficult to identify and assess individual intelligences.
• Many researchers struggle to differentiate between the intelligences and are confused about their separateness.
• Critics believed that if there are 8 types of intelligence, then there are thousands of intelligence that needs to be identified and categorized, which is not as easy as Gardner thinks.
• Researchers insist that Gardner’s intelligences are more talents than intelligence.
• Gardner says that it is impossible to get a list of an exact number of intelligences, this statement is rigor and not true science.
• Intrapersonal intelligence and interpersonal intelligence can’t be measured accurately.
• Gardner didn’t talk about cultural differences which limits its applicability across the diverse cultures.

Conclusion of Gardner’s Theory

Howard Gardner was a pioneer who believed that intelligence is not a single entity, but rather comprises distinct types of intelligence that exist independently of one another.
This perspective explains why individuals with exceptional skills in one area may exhibit below-average performance in another.
Gardner’s groundbreaking work earned him awards for his significant contributions to the field of education.

About Howard Gardner

Howard Earl Gardner was an American developmental psychologist who was born on July 11, 1943.

He wrote a book: Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences and gave a theory of multiple intelligence, for which he is best known.

Gardner’s theory inspired the departments of education to embrace the notion that there are many ways to be intelligent.
He was one of those people who believed that intelligence is not a single entity, but rather distinct types of intelligence exist. Every intelligence is independent of each other.