Educational Awareness

Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory

   1. Words (Linguistic Intelligence)
   2. Numbers or Logic (Logical-Mathematical Intelligence)
   3. Pictures (Spatial Intelligence)
   4. Music (Music Intelligence)
   5. Self Reflection (Intrapersonal Intelligence)
   6. Physical Appearance (Bodily-Kinesthetic)
   7. Social Experience (Interpersonal Intelligence

Howard Gardner believes there are seven ways to understand, and learn how to do something. Each person learns in a different way and that is why when this theory is implemented with teaching, learning, and listening, it shows that students can learn the same information, it may just need to be approached or taught to them differently. Howard Gardner is one of the most influential theorists to follow in Education.

Sometimes we think because a child is not learning, he/she is not able to learn at all. If this theory is put to the test in the classroom, you will come to find that every child, teenager, and adult learns in different ways, and at many different levels.

If you would like to access more information on Howard Gardner and his theories on multiple intelligences, please visit the "Howard Gardner and Multiple Intelligences" page at the Encyclopedia of Informal Education.

Levels of Learning

1. Linguistic:
Someone that is good with words, writing, and poetry. This person would be able to learn language easily and accomplish their goals while doing so.
Famous Person: Edgar Allen Poe

2. Logical-Mathematical:
Being a very logical person, and having the ability to analyze a problem. Having the ability to be a scientist and detect patterns and reasons for certain situations.
Famous Person: Einstein

3. Musical:
The ability to recognize musical patterns, rhythms, and tunes. This is an art, and a level of education that is a high achievement.
Famous person: Frank Sinatra

4. Bodily Kinesthetic:
A problem solving method that helps many individuals learn. This is used by intermingling the body (dancing, sports, and in the younger generation - catching a ball, and jumping rope). This problem solving method is a way to intermingle subjects when doing an activity. Some students learn easier when they are jumping rope and counting at the same time. They find that to be a more affective way of learning their numbers. This is an example of how children can learn differently through different activities, but still learn. Everyone just has different ways of learning.

5. Spatial:
Navigating a strategy, planning an event, building something from scratch, are all good examples of being a spatial learner. Visually learning something and adjusting what you have learned with daily activities are all great ways to describe this theory that Howard Gardner was portraying.
Famous Person: Michelangelo

6. Interpersonal:
The ability to have wonderful social skills, empathy and intuition with others, and for others. This could motivate students to teach the future leaders of America.

7. Intrapersonal:
This is the understanding of one’s self. There can be a high advantage in problem solving.