Understanding

Multiple Intelligences

How this affects Life

at Home and School

Presented by
Nita Delk
Center for Effective Learning
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Identifying Multiple Intelligences helps define the

kaleidoscope of strengths within each person.
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

I Am

-or-

I Can

Create your personal kaleidoscope. Think

of at least three things under the
categories of I Am or I Can.
Take the Poll: select the items that apply
to you when answering I Am or I Can.
Reflection: What did you discover you have
in common with others? What were some
of the differences?
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

HET* LEARNING PRINCIPLES

INTELLIGENCE - a function of experience
Inseparable BODYBRAIN PARTNERSHIP
- Emotion - the gatekeeper to learning and performance
- Movement - body and brain function together
There
are
MULTIPLE
INTELLIGENCES
- problem-solving
There are
MULTIPLE
INTELLIGENCES
- problem-solving
and/or
and/or
product-producing
capabilities
product-producing
capabilities
LEARNING is a 2-STEP PROCESS - input/output
- Pattern-Seeking: identify and make meaning (no logic/sequence)
- Program-Building: using what is understood (acquire mental
program)

PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT - impacts learning and

performance
*Highly Effective Teaching
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Intelligence:
An ability to
solve problems
and/or create
products.
Dr. Howard Gardner
Frames of Mind: Theory of Multiple Intelligences (1983)
Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century (1999)
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

BASIC CRITERIA for Determining

an INTELLIGENCE
Each intelligence had to be relatively
independent of the others, with its own
timetable for development, peak growth,
and the like.
Each intelligence had to operate from a
different part of the brain.
Each intelligence had to be valued
in cultures around the world.
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

KEY POINTS in MI THEORY

Each person may possess all eight

intelligences
Most people can develop each intelligence to
an adequate level of competency
Intelligences usually work together in
complex and cooperative ways
There are many ways to express intelligence
within each category
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Gardners MULTIPLE
Logical-Mathematical
(logic/number smart)

Spatial
(picture smart)

Linguistic
(word smart)

LM

Bodily-Kinesthetic
(body smart)

BK

INTELLIGENCES
Musical
(music smart)

Naturalist

(nature smart )

Interpersonal
(people smart)

Intrapersonal
(self smart)

Exceeding Expectations: A Users Guide to Implementing Brain Research in the Classroom by Susan Kovalik & Karen D. Olsen,
Ch. 3
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

MI Pie Arrangement
(Thomas Armstrong)

Body Word
Smart Smart

Natur
e
Smart
Picture

Numbe
r
Smart
Peopl

Smart

e
Smart
Music Self
Smart Smart

Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

A Few Clarifications
Gardner prefers to use the terms developed or less
developed rather than strengths or weaknesses
MI involves our preference for giving back information as
opposed to learning styles/preferences for taking in
information
The various intelligences are SETS of KNOW-HOW (procedures
for doing things)

Intelligences are not skills; they are biological

potentials which are realized to a greater or
lesser extent dependent upon each
individuals opportunities and motivation.
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

LINGUISTIC (Verbal)
INTELLIGENCE
This person likes to learn new vocabulary, play with
words, create puns, read, and write.
CHARACTERISTICS of the WORD SMART Learner
Learns best by hearing, reading, and writing
Likes to read
Enjoys talking
Listens well to others
Gets absorbed in reading
Learns languages easily
Masters oral/written presentations with ease
Does well in traditional school setting

Referenced as: L
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Linguistic (Word Smart)

Is Strong In:
reading, writing, telling stories,
memorizing dates, thinking
words, listening
Likes To:
read, write, tell and listen
to stories, talk, memorize,
do word puzzles, journal

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Learns Best Through:

reading, hearing, and seeing words, speaking, writing, discussing and debating
Famous Examples:
Shakespeare, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Maya Angelou, JK Rowling
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

LOGICAL-MATHEMATICAL
INTELLIGENCE
This person likes to be precise and accurate, figure out
relationships, set special goals, problem-solve, and
play with numbers.
CHARACTERISITICS of the NUMBER SMART Learner
Logical thinker
Precision and accuracy is important
Goal setter
Money manager
Concrete thinker
Efficient worker
Practical ideas
Referenced as: LM
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Logical-Mathematical (Number
Smart)
Is Strong In:
math, reasoning, logic,
problem-solving, patterns

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Likes To:
solve problems,
question, work with
numbers, experiment

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Learns Best Through:

working with patterns and relationships, classifying, categorizing, working
with the abstract
Famous Examples:
Albert Einstein, Susanne Langer, Melvil Dewey, Ada Lovelace, Benjamin Banneker
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

MUSICAL INTELLIGENCE
This person hears music in his/her head most of the time, thinks
in musical terms, sings/hums to self, taps fingers, legs or
feet to rhythms, and makes a connection between emotions
and music.
CHARACTERISTICS of the MUSIC SMART LEARNER
Distracted by sound(s)
Active listener
Uses songs to understand concepts/skills
Recites poems, rhymes, chants and raps
Learns/Remembers song lyrics with ease
Responds to others vocal cues
Is a strong auditory learner
Learns best when material is in rhyme, has a tune, contains
rhyme patterns or is rhythmic

Referenced as: M
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Musical (Music Smart)

Is Strong In:
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remembering melodies,
rhythms
Likes To:
sing, hum, whistle, play
instruments, tap rhythm,
listen to music

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Learns Best Through:

Rhythm and cadence, singing and lyrics, listening to music
and melodies, making sounds
Famous Examples:
Mozart, Paul Williams, Gustavo Dudamel, Justin Bieber, Alicia Keys
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

SPATIAL INTELLIGENCE
This person likes to draw, doodle, do puzzles,
imagine, use color, sketch, create cartoons, and do
cartography.
CHARACTERISTICS of the PICTURE SMART Learner
Uses mind to create images
Tends to dream in color
Enjoys using graphic organizers
Relies on models
Finds maps helpful rather than verbal directions
Moves things in head, space and time (e.g., Legos)
Thrives on 3-D projects
Referenced as: S
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Spatial (Picture Smart)

Is Strong In:
reading, maps, charts, drawing,
mazes, puzzles, making
images, visualization

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Likes To:
design, draw, build,
create, daydream, map,
think in pictures

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Learns Best Through:

working with pictures and colors, visualizing, using imagery, drawing diagrams
Famous Examples:
Leonardo DaVinci, Frank Lloyd Wright, Walt Disney, Akiane Kramarik
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

BODILY- KINESTHETIC
INTELLIGENCE
This person likes to build, experience, touch, feel,
make things, and move.
CHARACTERISTICS of the BODY SMART Learner
Does many things
Expresses learning through movement
Is dramatic
Is athletic
Is active
Is energetic
Is physically involved with learning
Needs concrete experience
Likes variety
Thinks best when body is moving
Referenced as: BK
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Bodily-Kinesthetic (Body
Smart)
Is Strong In:
touching, moving, processing
knowledge through bodily
sensations
Likes To:
move around, touch and
talk, use body language,
learn through movement

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Learns Best Through:

Whole body movements, athletics, dancing,
acting, crafts, using tools and hands-on
Famous Examples:
Charlie Chaplin, Sandra Bullock, Sean White, Gabrielle Douglas, Cam Newton
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

NATURALIST INTELLIGENCE
This person likes to put things in to categories, sort items
by attributes, develop collections, plant and grow
natural items, and relates to animals.
CHARACTERISICS of the NATURE SMART Learner
Environmentalist
Enjoys collecting natural objects (E.g., seashells, rocks)
Has expansive knowledge of substances found in nature
Likes to dabble in indoor/outdoor gardening/farming
Sensitive to the feelings of animals
Understands weather changes and/or resulting growth
patterns
Enjoys spending time outdoors reflecting

Referenced as: N
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Naturalist (Nature Smart)

Is Strong In:
understanding nature,
making distinctions,
identifying flora and fauna

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Likes To:
be involved with nature, make
distinctions, observe objects in
the environment

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Learns Best Through:

working in environmental settings, exploring living things, learning about
plants and natural events, awareness of surroundings and patterns
Famous Examples:
John Muir, Jane Goodall, Rachel Carson, Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington Carver
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

INTERPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE
This person likes to be with other people, lead, teach,
empathize, sympathize, interact and volunteering.
CHARACTERISITICS of the PEOPLE SMART Learner
Active group participation
Great communicator
Risk taker
Nurturer
Sensitive to the needs of others
Strong leadership skills
Highly developed perception skills
Friendly, outgoing personality
Appreciates feedback
Accommodated during: GROUP assignments
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Interpersonal (People Smart)

Is Strong In:
understanding people, leading,
organizing, communicating,
resolving conflicts, selling

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Likes To:
have friends, talk to
people, join groups
Learns Best Through:
sharing, comparing, relating, interviewing, cooperating

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Famous Examples:
Mahatma Gandhi, Oprah Winfrey, Jimmy Carter, Mother Theresa,
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

INTRAPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE
This person likes to spend time time alone, reflect, have
time to review ideas and may require extended deadlines.
CHARACTERISTICS of the SELF-SMART Learner
Enjoys working by him/herself
Has a few close friends
Analyzes material
Meditates
Requires time for reflection
Is independent
Prefers quiet working area
Likes to be last-needs time to think/reflect
Finds research interesting
Needs freedom for creativity
Accommodated during: INDIVIDUAL assignments
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Intrapersonal (Self Smart)

Is Strong In:
understanding self,
recognizing strengths and
weaknesses, setting goals

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Likes To:
work alone, reflect,
pursue interests

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Learns Best Through:

working alone, doing self-paced projects, having space, reflection,
Famous Examples:
Sigmund Freud, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

At Home
Establish a safe environment
Physical, Emotional
Perceived (identify trigger points)

Seek to understand each childs individual

personality, preferences, and gender traits
Offer sensory-rich opportunities for increasing
human capacity
Consistently guide behaviors to self-correction
Encourage lifelong learning activities
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Your Turn
Do you know which of your intelligences
are most/least developed?

Why is it important for you to

understand your preferences?
As the adult, you need to provide
CHOICES for the children in your care
~ choices that honor their preferences ~

Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

MI Survey Websites
TheCenter4Learning.com
> Resources > Weblinks > Multiple
Intelligences
(select language, then gender and age)
Provides a pie-graph in multi-color with a
unique Code for future access to results
Multiple Intelligences
http://surfaquarium.com/MI/inventory.htm
Answer simple questions, then
tally/graph in the MI categories (includes
Existential)
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Case Studies

Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Case Studies

Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Understanding Multiple Intelligences in

School Increases Human Capacity
Identifying multiple intelligences is a first step in
getting to know EACH student
Effective teachers build upon the students
strength area to increase another intelligence,
thereby increasing the capacity to learn
Multiple Intelligences can be partnered with state
standards embedded in conceptual curriculum
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

At School
Parents are the best advocates and support
system for student success
Highly Effective Teaching (HET) and Learning
can be accomplished after understanding and
implementing:

the Culture of a Learning Environment

the Five Principles of Learning (including MI)
the Ten BodyBrain-Compatible Elements
the Five Components of HET Curriculum

Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Mastery/Applicat
ion

Immediat
e
Feedback

Absence of
Threat/
Nurturing
Reflecting
Thinking

10
Bodybrain
Compatible
Elements

Being
There
Experiences
Movement

Meaningfu
l Content

Collabora
tion

Enriched
Environmen
2005 Susan Kovalik & Associates, Inc. www.theCenter4Learning.com
t
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school
Adequate
Time

Choice
s

EE Page xiii

In the HET model, curriculum content & assessment is based on

2 questions:

What do you want

students
to understand? (KEY
POINT)
What do you want students to DO
with what they understand?
(INQUIRY)

Exceeding Expectations: A Users Guide to Implementing Brain Research in the Classroom, by Susan Kovalik & Karen D.
Olsen, Ch.16

Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

EE Supplement 13.3

The primary purpose of

inquiries is to enable
students to develop mental
programs for applying the
key point in real-world
situations. Inquiries make
learning active and
memorable.
Exceeding Expectations: A Users Guide to Implementing Brain Research In the Classroom
by Susan Kovalik and Karen D. Olsen, page 16.3

Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

ABCDs of Effective INQUIRIES

Always

start with a process verb,

(the action)

Be specific, picture the outcome

Connect to the Key Point
Develop a product that is
meaningful

Stretch

to connect more than one

intelligence
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

EE 13.9

Writing INQUIRIES
Guided Practice Inquiries
These inquiries provide a supportive
environment for the learner to practice the
new content they have learned

Independent Practice Inquiries

These inquiries provide the opportunity for
learners to show their understanding of the
new content they have learned.
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

CONCEPTUAL KEY POINT

INTERDEPENDENCE is the mutual dependency of

two or more items upon each other. A change in
one part of this system leads or results to changes
in other parts. Animals and plants depend upon one
another to survive. People depend upon one
another and their contributions for the advancement
of their civilizations. When we understand and
value the interdependence within a community, we
are more likely to thrive.

Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

Guided Practice Inquiry for the

concept of Interdependence
Construct a simple machine using each Learning Club
member as one of the parts. L, BK, S
Place each part (person) in sequence to optimize operation. BK
Decide how each part will show interdependence. L, N, LM
Determine sounds and/or rhythm each part of your machine
might make. M, L, N
Demonstrate how your machine works and be ready to
explain how each part is interdependent to the class. S, BK, L
Compose a one page how to explanation (report) so another
group can read your work and construct the same machine. L
Add a diagram of the machine to your report. S, LM
Share your work in the Learning Club. L, BK
(Multiple Intelligences referenced in this Inquiry: BK, N, L, S, LM, M)
Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school

visit
www.theCenter4Learning.com
to learn more about the
Highly Effective Teaching (HET) Model
nDelk@theCenter4Learning.com

Understanding Multiple Intelligences - at home and school