What's intelligence then ?
What are the intelligences ?
Assessing Multiple Intelligences
Multiple Intelligences Training
Multiple Intelligences Resources

What’s intelligence then?

Everyone has a different take on intelligence. Here are a few ideas for starters:

Intelligence is the ability to make decisions and judgments that create positive effects - Graham

Intelligence is knowing there's always more to learn - Jodie

Intelligence is thinking, " I can..." - MJ, Westhoughton.

Intelligence is being able to deal with the unexpected - Andy 

Intelligence is making connections - Janice Young

Add your own definition and just look at the all the different ideas on the 'Intelligence is...' thread -


We’re free to think and ask what we want about intelligence –

who has it;
who doesn’t;
is it fixed?;
what’s it for?
what is it?
where is it?

but there are consequences of what we choose to believe:

Let’s say you believe that IQ is the best way to define and measure intelligence.

Consequences:

o You have to get over a certain score in an IQ test to be clever

o You have to be good at verbal and non-verbal reasoning to get a high score

o If your strengths are in other areas, you may not score too highly and therefore…

Let’s say that you believe intelligence is related to self-belief (as does Professor Carol Dweck).

Consequences:

o Some people believe they can become cleverer and are therefore positive/active about learning and growth

o Some people believe they’re stuck with the hand they’ve been dealt and are therefore negative/passive about learning and growth

And let’s say that you believe intelligence is multi-facetted and linked directly to the whole range of human skill and talent (Multiple Intelligences).

Consequences:

o Everyone can be thought of as clever because of what they do well

o Verbal and non-verbal reasoning is valued

o Running a meeting is valued

o Fixing things is valued

o Creating a piece of art is valued

o Managing your emotions is valued

o Managing a family home is valued…

What are the intelligences ?

Musical/Rhythmic Intelligence Your mind comes alive to a rhythm and a melody. You may not be a concert pianist, but you engage easily with music. You may learn well to background music. You could use beats and tunes to pick up new skills and ideas.
Mathematical/Logical Intelligence Logic and order are important to you. You can think like a machine. Your mind pulls you towards numbers and patterns. Learning can flow for you when ideas fit neatly together, with reasons.
Interpersonal Intelligence You are an expert in the behaviour and emotions of other people. You understand the weather of human moods. Your mind loves to communicate with others. Learning can happen for you when your team is working well
Intrapersonal Intelligence You are an expert on yourself. You know your strengths and targets. You know what makes you feel and think different things. You can communicate well with yourself. Learning alone may suit your independence.
Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence Words, words, words - written, read, spoken, heard. Words are the food of your mind. You use words, you love words, you learn with words. Language is your life
Naturalistic Intelligence You know your place in the environment, and you know the environment - city, country, mountain, motorway, animals, people - your mind knows how nature works. Learning can happen when nature is involved.
Bodily/Kinaesthetic Intelligence Your mind controls your body with great skill. Your body does just what you want it to. You manipulate objects easily. You may learn best through moving and touching
Visual/Spatial Intelligence Close your eyes and you can imagine whatever you want. You can go anywhere, create anything - in your mind. In your head, you can change what you've seen. Images may help you to learn.
Existential Intelligence Life is your mystery - you have to solve it. "Why?" is your favourite question, and the bigger the question, the better. Learning may need to be deep and wide for you. (acknowledged as 'half an intelligence')

Assessing Multiple Intelligences

Beware the Questionnaire!

Questionnaires are only the start of assessing MI – a bit like the opening titles to a movie.

The real assessment is ongoing, like the film itself. Use:

• observation
• questioning
• data analysis
• self-reflection
• information from learners’ parents
• information from learners’ colleagues/friends

That said, do use this free questionnaire if you promise not to label (and therefore possibly limit) your learners with the results!

  Download:

 MI Questionnaire (opens in a new window )

Multiple Intelligences Training

I’ve been using the concept of Multiple Intelligences both in the classroom and in training for over a decade.

I’ve been fortunate enough to meet with Howard Gardner several times, together with professionals from around the world who use MI in their work.

All my training is inspired by the inclusive approach of Multiple Intelligences that can raise academic and life success for all.

For more information about Multiple Intelligences INSET for your school please contact us.

Multiple Intelligences Resources

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Click here for your personalised MI Resources.

Click here for your personalised MI Resources.

Click here for your personalised Learning Styles Resources.

Click here for your personalised Learning Styles Resources.