ABSTRACT
Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory (Gardner 1983; 1993) proposes the idea that we all have various levels of intelligence across a range of intellectual areas. Gardner’s theory comes, in part, out of a concern that when intelligence is measured, the most commonly used tests (standard verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests) often do not allow those tested to demonstrate what they are really good at or where their intelligence lies. Gardner gives us a set of different ‘intelligences’ that, as individuals, we display more or less of, according to our particular intellectual make-up. There are nine of these intelligences, but Gardner does not rule out the defi ning of others. Currently, they are:
1 linguistic : enjoyment of and facility with reading, poetry and all things literary and linguistic;
2 logical/mathematical : enjoyment of and facility with maths and science, games of strategy and any logic-based pursuits;
3 musical : enjoyment of and facility with music – listening, playing and perhaps composing;
4 spatial/visual : enjoyment of and facility with images, drawing, construction games and tactile puzzles such as jigsaws;
5 kinaesthetic : enjoyment of and facility with activities that involve touch and movement, dance, sport and other practical activities;
6 interpersonal : enjoyment of and facility with other people, communication, leadership and the ability to empathise;
7 intrapersonal : enjoyment of and facility with self-motivation, no dependence on others, awareness of one’s own feelings more than those of others – often seen as shyness;
8 naturalistic : enjoyment of and facility with the natural world, with ability in recognising patterns and classifi cation;
9 existential : enjoyment of and facility with asking and examining questions about life, death and ultimate realities.
