Background Information on Multiple Intelligences
Find information on Multiple Intelligences -- what this means for your child and your understanding of him or her.
In this article, you will find:
Introduction
What are multiple intelligences?
How do multiple intelligences work?
What do the special gift checklists measure?
How do multiple intelligences work?
1. Every person possesses all eight intelligences. These intelligences all function together in different ways that are unique to each person. Most of us fall somewhere in between two poles -- highly developed in some areas, modestly in others, and underdeveloped in the rest.2. Most people can develop each intelligence to an adequate level of competency.
3. Intelligences usually work together in complex ways. They are always interacting with each other. For instance, to play kickball, a child must be able to run and kick (bodily/kinesthetic), orient himself to the playing field and anticipate where the ball will land (spatial), and be able to argue a call (interpersonal and linguistic).
4. There are many ways to be intelligent within each category. For example a person may not be able to read, but may still be able to tell a great story. (Both rely on linguistic intelligence.)
Source: Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong (ASCD, 1994)