Multiple intelligences – refers to the 8 intelligence types published by Howard Gardner in 1983: musical-rhythmic, visual-spatial, verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinaesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic.
A person’s IQ is traditionally thought of as the best way to judge their intelligence. IQ tests are designed to compare a person’s problem-solving abilities to the wider population. An IQ score of 100 is the average of all people who take an IQ test. But what if IQ was just one way of measuring intelligence? What about social intelligence – the ability to communicate, convince and persuade others? What about people with artistic and creative skills, such as architects and graphic designers? What about professional athletes, musicians or everyday people who are good at working with their hands? Surely these people are ‘intelligent’ at what they do.
The theory of multiple intelligences (first conceived by the now famous developmental psychologist Howard Gardner) argues that there are many different types of intelligence – 8 in fact – with no single type more important than any other.i Gardner’s 8 categories of intelligence are verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinaesthetic, musical-rhythmic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic. A person’s intelligence level is not the same for each category. For example, a person that thrives in a team environment and has ‘the gift of the gab’ might score extremely high in the interpersonal category but low in several other categories. For some industries, such as child-related and caring industries, a high logical-mathematical intelligence is not as useful as a high verbal-linguistic and interpersonal intelligence (a teacher’s primary job is to communicate after all).
Intelligence type |
Explanation/personal characteristics |
Verbal-linguistic | Enjoys using, manipulating and interpreting language. Often very articulate and enjoys writing, reading, listening to debates and thinking about abstract concepts and ideas. |
Logical-mathematical | Prefers concrete tasks that involve reasoning, the use of numbers and patterns. Enjoys problem-solving tasks with logical solutions. |
Visual-spatial | Is good at visualising space, dimensions and the environment. May enjoy statistics, working with models, charts, maps and diagrams. |
Bodily-kinaesthetic | Is typically interested in sports or gross motor activities that use the body in some way. Is ‘hands on’ and prefers to learn by doing. |
Musical-rhythmic | Has a strong creative streak and an interest in subjects such as art, music and creative writing. Enjoys making things. |
Interpersonal | Has a high emotional IQ and ability to learn with and from others. Thrives in a cooperative learning environment. |
Intrapersonal | Places an emphasis on personal development and often prefers to learn on their own (such as by self-reflection). |
Naturalistic | Prefers learning outdoors either in or about nature and has an interest in subjects such as animals, horticulture and agriculture. |
Hint: Gardner was open to the idea that there might be additional types of intelligence such as existential and moral intelligence, teaching-pedagogical intelligence and digital intelligence. Could there be other types such as strategic and planning intelligence? Can you think of any?
Based on the theory of multiple intelligences, 2 people can be as ‘smart’ as each other but in very different ways. For example, a person with high naturalistic intelligence may be very well regarded in the field of ecology or agriculture – they could be one of the best ecologists in the world. However, they may have much lower levels of other types of intelligence, such as verbal-linguistic. On the other hand, someone who is traditionally thought of as being intelligent (by the IQ measure) may score very low on several of the intelligence types identified in Gardner’s theory. The multiple intelligences theory highlights that intelligence comes in many different forms. Additionally, it hinges on the context and tasks that a person undertakes – intelligence in one situation does not always equate to intelligence in a different situation.
Based on the theory of multiple intelligences, 2 people can be as ‘smart’ as each other but in very different ways.
The main takeaways from the theory of multiple intelligences are as follows:
Hint: a common trap for new teachers is to ‘teach the way they were taught’ or to teach using strategies, learning styles and intelligence types that work best for them. For example, an extroverted teacher high on the intrapersonal intelligence type and low on the logical-mathematical type may heavily favour activities that reflect their personal learning preferences and strongest intelligence type, while de-emphasising or outright dismissing other approaches that don’t match their preferences, values and beliefs.
Foot notes:
Adam Green is an advisor to government, a registered teacher, an instructional designer and a #1 best selling author. He is completing a Doctor of Education and was previously head of department for one of the country’s largest SAER (students at educational risk) schools. Adam is managing director of ITAC, an accredited training provider for thousands of teacher aides every year.
Source: Teaching Skills and Strategies for the Modern Classroom: 100+ research-based strategies for both novice and experienced practitioners. Amazon #1 best seller in the category of Classroom Management.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to check his article for accuracy, information may be outdated, inaccurate or not relevant to you and your location/employer/contract. It is not intended as legal or professional advice. Users should seek expert advice such as by contacting the relevant education department, should make their own enquiries, and should not rely on any of the information provided.
The introductory teacher aide course covering all the basics of working in a school.
LEARN MOREThe industry standard TA course with a focus on disabilities and disorders.
LEARN MORESave time and money by completing ITAC's popular Teacher Aide Combo.
LEARN MOREBe sure to ask your provider for a sample of their resources and assessments before enrolling.
LEARN MOREGovernment funding Australia-wide to learners over 40.
Of the Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.
Australia’s only true Teacher Aide Combo – saving time and money.
Supported, self-paced online mode or class-based from 1 day per week.
So you can be sure that the course is right for you.
Select an interest free payment plan that suits your needs.
Free learner guides, audiobooks, e-books, live webinars & lecture library.
We visit every learner on placement to help improve their practice.
Australia’s only integrated course structure means finishing sooner.
Links with thousands of schools around Australia.
Friendly trainers with years of experience in local schools.
Learn the best practice skills that schools now demand.
The Institute of Teacher Aide Courses is the go-to provider for nationally recognised teacher aide courses. We provide a supportive, flexible and high-quality experience for busy adult learners.