[Replicable Practices] The theory of multiple intelligences I

Howard Gardner

The theory of multiple intelligences was proposed by Howard Gardner. The multiple intelligences theory is an idea that maintains that people have different types of "intelligences". In 1999 Gardner lists eight intelligences as linguistic, logic-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, naturalist, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Gardner also emphasizes that developing an intelligence or a combination of is a lengthy process.

In my class I use the theory of multiple intelligences to help students develop skills that will help them succeed at school and at post secondary options. More importantly it helps students develop the confidence to begin understanding the importance of self advocacy. Follow the link to print out a multiple intelligence quiz to share with your students. I also use the follow up activity and have the students create a bar graph of their results.

Quiz © 1999 Walter McKenzie


For an interactive worksheet which produces a multiple intelligences wheel based upon Gardner's eight multiple intelligences. © 2002 - 2010 Birmingham City Council