How to Incorporate Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Into Lesson Plans

In order to be culturally responsive in today's society, educators develop differentiated instruction techniques that allow them to reach more students. Because classrooms include diverse populations of students from various backgrounds, it is important to recognize diversity in learning styles, as well. According to Harvard Professor Howard Gardner, there are nine different types of intelligences that people can possess in varying degrees. Historically, linguistic and mathematical intelligences have dominated the value systems upheld by traditional schools. However, research has shown that being able to recognize multiple intelligences in students can help teachers become more effective educators.

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  Incorporate word activities. Linguistic intelligence involves the use of language, both written and spoken. Examples of word activities include reading, writing, speaking and listening.

• 2

  Incorporate number activities. Mathematical intelligence involves the use of logical systems. Examples of number activities include calculating, coding and problem solving.

• 3

  Incorporate music activities. Rhythmic intelligence involves the use of musical patterns. Examples of music activities include singing, rapping and rhyming.

• 4

  Incorporate movement activities. Kinesthetic intelligence involves the use of body motion. Examples of movement activities include field trips, physical education and hands-on experiments.

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  Incorporate spatial activities. Spatial intelligence involves the ability to conceptualize space. Examples of spatial activities include illustrating, graphing and taking pictures.

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  Incorporate nature activities. Naturalist intelligence involves the ability to observe nature. Examples of nature activities include dissecting, hiking and gardening.

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  Incorporate personal activities. Intrapersonal intelligence involves the understanding of oneself. Examples of personal activities include reading, independent study and writing in journals.

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  Incorporate social activities. Interpersonal intelligence involves the understanding of others. Examples of social activities include debates and project teams.

• 9

  Incorporate existential activities. Existential intelligence involves higher-level critical thinking skills used to examine overarching themes such as life and death. Examples of existential activities typically present themselves within the context of essay writing, group discussions and presentations.