Eight multiple intelligences
Every learner has the capacity to exhibit all eight of these intelligences. The difference between people is not whether they have them — it is which ones are more highly developed.
Pick one to read it
Schools reward two of these heavily. The other six get called “talents” and go undeveloped.
Linguistic Intelligence
Linguistic intelligence allows individuals to communicate and make sense of the world through language. A keen sensitivity to language in spoken or written form shows up in poets, writers, lawyers and public speakers.
- Strong ability in speech and writing
- Accurate description of events
- Skilful in using language to evoke emotions and persuade
- Proficiency in phonetics, semantics and applied language
Visual-Spatial Intelligence
The ability to deal with space and distance — the way a sailor or a pilot navigates the large spatial world, or a chess player or sculptor works within a small one.
- Accurate perception of visual space
- Strong spatial memory
- Enjoyment of mazes and visual puzzles
- Interest in visual media
- Advanced drawing skills
- Sensitivity to visual relationships
- Clear understanding of spatial concepts
- Good sense of direction
Musical Intelligence
The capacity to think in music — to hear patterns, recognise them and manipulate them. People with strong musical intelligence do not just remember music easily; they cannot get it out of their minds.
- Sensitivity to rhythm, tune, pitch and melody
- Skill in singing or playing instruments
- Accurate pitch differentiation
- Thinking through melody and rhythm
- Humming or working to music
- Quick learning and reproduction of songs
Interpersonal Intelligence
This area has to do with interaction with others. People here are usually extroverts, sensitive to the moods, feelings, temperaments and motivations of others, and able to cooperate as part of a group.
- Sensitivity to the moods and motivations of others
- Communicates effectively and empathises easily
- Cooperates naturally within a group
- Comfortable as either leader or follower
- Learns best by working with others
- Enjoys discussion and debate
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
Enables individuals to use, appreciate and analyse abstract relationships. Often harnessed in mathematical reasoning and scientific investigation — mathematicians, scientists and engineers deploy it at high levels.
- Strong ability with numbers and reasoning
- High sensitivity to numbers in daily life
- Proficiency in mathematical reasoning
- Comfortable with scientific investigation
Kinaesthetic Intelligence
The capacity to use your whole body or parts of it — hands, fingers, arms — to solve a problem, make something or put on a production. Most evident in athletes and performers, particularly dancers and actors.
- Expressive physical movement
- Hands-on creativity
- Physical proficiency
- Restlessness when inactive
- Thrill-seeking and active lifestyle
- Enjoyment of tactile experiences
- Strong coordination and imitative ability
Intra-Personal Intelligence
To understand and know oneself — who you are, what you can do, what you want to do, how you react to things, which things to avoid and which to gravitate towards.
- Self-awareness of abilities and interests
- Goal-setting and self-understanding
- Service-oriented mindset
- Conceptual thinking based on self-examination
- Reflection on inner thoughts and feelings
- Expression of personal views
Naturalist Intelligence
The ability to discriminate among living things — plants and animals. Clearly of value in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers and farmers, and still central to roles such as botanist or chef.
- Differentiation and categorisation of living things
- Identification and classification by sound and sight
- Recognition of patterns in the natural world
- Sensitivity to features of the environment
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